UNICEF: 1 in 8 girls and women globally suffered sexual assault before age 18

The United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reveals that more than 370 million girls and women globally—roughly 1 in 8—experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18.

These findings, the first-ever global and regional estimates on childhood sexual violence, highlight a pervasive issue that transcends geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries.

The report, issued on 9 October 2024, was published ahead of the International Day of the Girl, drawing attention to the urgent need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support to address the widespread violation.

The report also states that when ‘non-contact’ forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse, are included, the number of affected girls and women rises to a staggering 650 million worldwide, or 1 in 5.

These figures underscore the critical need for more effective prevention and support strategies to combat all forms of violence and abuse against children.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell condemned the prevalence of such violence, saying, “Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience. It inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.”

The report emphasises that childhood sexual violence often occurs in environments where victims expect protection, such as homes, schools, and communities.

Geographically, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected, accounting for 22% of the population.

This was followed by Eastern and South-Eastern Asia with 75 million cases (8%), Central and Southern Asia with 73 million (9%), Europe and Northern America with 68 million (14%), Latin America and the Caribbean with 45 million (18%), Northern Africa and Western Asia with 29 million (15%), and Oceania with 6 million, representing 34% of the population in the region.

In conflict zones and fragile settings, where governance and institutional support are weak, girls face even greater risks.

The report revealed that in these areas, the prevalence of childhood rape and sexual assault affects more than 1 in 4 girls.

Catherine Russell further stated, “We are witnessing horrific sexual violence in conflict zones, where rape and gender-based violence are often used as weapons of war.”

The data also reveal that most sexual violence against children occurs during adolescence, with a marked increase between the ages of 14 and 17.

This critical age group experiences heightened vulnerability, and studies indicate that victims of sexual violence are more likely to endure repeated abuse.

Experts stress the importance of targeted interventions during adolescence to disrupt this cycle and mitigate long-term consequences.

The repercussions of childhood sexual violence can be severe and enduring.

Survivors often face heightened risks of sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, social isolation, mental health issues, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.

The trauma may be further compounded when children delay reporting or choose to remain silent about their experiences.

Report Highlights Childhood Sexual Violence Impact on Boys, Affecting 1 in 11 Globally

Although the report focuses primarily on girls and women, UNICEF’s findings also highlight the significant impact of childhood sexual violence on boys and men.

It is estimated that 240 to 310 million boys and men—roughly 1 in 11—were raped or sexually assaulted during childhood. This figure rises to between 410 and 530 million when non-contact forms of sexual violence are considered.

Despite these alarming statistics, data gaps persist, particularly regarding boys' experiences and non-contact forms of sexual violence.

UNICEF has called for increased investment in data collection to better understand the full extent of sexual violence against children.

As the world prepares for the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia next month, the report underscores the urgent need for a coordinated global response.

UNICEF calls for an intensified effort to combat childhood sexual violence through several key actions:

1. Challenging social and cultural norms that enable sexual violence and deter children from seeking help.


2. Equipping children with accurate and age-appropriate information to help them identify and report abuse.


3. Ensuring access to services for victims and survivors, providing justice and healing while preventing further harm.


4. Strengthening legal frameworks to protect children, including regulations within organisations working with children, and investing in systems for implementation.


5. Building robust national data systems to track progress and ensure accountability using international standards like the International Classification of Violence against Children.

UNICEF’s report is based on a comprehensive review of data collected from 120 countries between 2010 and 2022.

While more information is available on girls and women, the report acknowledges gaps in data on boys and non-contact sexual violence, emphasising the need for broader and more consistent global research to inform future policies and interventions.