Over 370 million girls experienced rape, sexual assault before turning 18: Unicef

More than 370 million girls and women — approximately 1 in 8 — have experienced rape or sexual assault before turning 18, a new estimate shared by Unicef showed, highlighting a shocking number of abuse against children.

This groundbreaking report, published ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child (observed on October 11) is the first to provide global and regional data on sexual violence against children.

The shocking figures were received following surveys conducted between 2010 and 2022 in 120 countries and areas.

Expanding the Scope of Abuse

Non-contact forms of sexual violence, such as online harassment and verbal abuse, are an estimated 650 million, or 1 in 5 globally.

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This underscores an urgent need for comprehensive prevention and support strategies to address all forms of violence and abuse effectively.

“Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience,” said Unicef Executive Director Catherine Russell.

“It inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often perpetrated by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.”

Regional Breakdown of Victims

The data reveals that sexual violence against children is pervasive across geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected (22 per cent). Other regions affected include:

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Eastern and South-Eastern Asia: 75 million (8 per cent)

Central and Southern Asia: 73 million (9 per cent)

Europe and Northern America: 68 million (14 per cent)

Latin America and the Caribbean: 45 million (18 per cent)

Northern Africa and Western Asia: 29 million (15 per cent)

Oceania: 6 million (34 per cent)

Increased Risks in Fragile Settings

In places with weak institutions or high numbers of refugees, girls face even greater risks. The prevalence of rape and sexual assault in childhood exceeds 1 in 4 in these contexts.

Russell stated, “Children in fragile settings are especially vulnerable to sexual violence. We are witnessing horrific sexual violence in conflict zones, where rape and gender-based violence are often used as weapons of war.”

Adolescence: A Critical Period

Most incidents of childhood sexual violence occur during adolescence, particularly between ages 14 and 17. Studies indicate that children who experience such violence are more likely to endure repeated abuse. Targeted interventions during this critical period are essential for breaking the cycle and mitigating long-term trauma.

Lasting Impact on Survivors

Survivors of childhood sexual violence often carry the emotional and physical scars into adulthood. They face heightened risks of sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, social isolation, and mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. Delayed disclosure of abuse can further exacerbate these challenges.

While the statistics highlight the significant impact on girls and women, it’s important to note that boys and men are also affected. An estimated 240 to 310 million boys and men—about 1 in 11—have experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood, with estimates rising to between 410 and 530 million when non-contact forms are included.

Call for Action

As global leaders, civil society activists, survivors, and young people prepare for the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia next month, the findings underscore the urgent need for intensified action to combat childhood sexual violence. Key recommendations include:

Challenging and changing the social and cultural norms that permit sexual violence and discourage children from seeking help.

Equipping every child with accurate, accessible, and age-appropriate information to recognize and report sexual violence.

Ensuring access to services that support justice and healing for every child victim and survivor.

Strengthening laws and regulations to protect children from all forms of sexual violence, including in organizations that work with children.

Building better national data systems to monitor progress and ensure accountability by implementing international standards.