1 in 8 girls and women are sexually assaulted before the age of 18

This figure rises to 650 million, or about one in five, if “non-contact” forms of sexual violence such as online or verbal abuse are included. This is considered the first global survey on the issue, with worrying results on human rights violations.

Women with young children wait for medical care outside the Italian Paediatric Hospital in Port Sudan on October 8, 2024. Photo: AFP

Although girls and women are most affected, between 240 and 310 million boys and men, or about 1 in 11, also experience rape or sexual assault during childhood.

UNICEF highlights that sexual violence against children occurs globally, cutting across geographical, cultural and economic boundaries. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women (22%), followed by East Asia and Southeast Asia with 75 million (8%).

Studies also show that sexual violence often occurs during adolescence, especially between the ages of 14 and 17. Those who have been victims face a higher risk of sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, and mental health problems.

Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF, called sexual violence against children a “stain on our moral conscience”, stressing that most abuse occurs by people known or trusted, in environments where children should feel safe.

The UNICEF report also points out that to fully address this problem, there needs to be greater investment in data collection and improved legal systems that enable children to identify and report cases.

Cao Phong (according to UNICEF, Reuters, CNA)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/unicef-cu-8-tre-em-gai-va-phu-nu-thi-co-1-nguoi-bi-tan-cong-tinh-duc-truoc-18-tuoi-post316291.html