UNICEF Report Reveals Shocking Global Statistics on Sexual Violence Against Children

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has released a groundbreaking report that reveals an alarming prevalence of sexual violence against children, with one in eight girls and young women worldwide enduring rape or sexual assault. Sub-Saharan Africa records the highest number of victims, highlighting the widespread nature of the crisis.

In its first-ever global estimate of sexual violence against children, UNICEF found that 79 million girls in sub-Saharan Africa, or one in five, experienced sexual assault or rape before turning 18. This region, marred by conflict and instability, bears the brunt of these atrocities. “It’s terrifying,” said Nankali Maksud, a child violence specialist at UNICEF in Nairobi. “It is generations of trauma.” The trauma often disrupts victims’ ability to learn and succeed in school, compounding their suffering.

On a global scale, the numbers are equally harrowing. UNICEF estimates that 370 million girls and young women—one in eight—have been affected by sexual violence. The figures climb to 650 million, or one in five, when considering "non-contact" forms of sexual violence such as online or verbal abuse. While girls are disproportionately affected, boys are also vulnerable, with an estimated 240 to 310 million, or about one in 11, experiencing rape or sexual assault during childhood.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell condemned the situation, calling sexual violence against children “a stain on our moral conscience.” She stressed the deep, lasting trauma inflicted on children, often by those they know and trust in places that should be safe.

The report highlights that fragile settings, including conflict zones and regions with weak institutions or large numbers of refugees, are particularly affected. Sexual violence in these areas is often used as a weapon of war, further compounding the vulnerability of children. Despite the stark regional differences, the report underscores that sexual violence against children crosses geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries.

Sub-Saharan Africa leads the statistics with 79 million victims, followed by Eastern and Southeastern Asia with 75 million, Central and Southern Asia with 73 million, Europe and Northern America with 68 million, Latin America and the Caribbean with 45 million, Northern Africa and Western Asia with 29 million, and Oceania with 6 million.

Claudia Cappa, UNICEF's chief statistician, explained that the figures were calculated using national data and international surveys conducted between 2010 and 2022. While the data provide a chilling snapshot of the global crisis, she noted inevitable gaps and under-reporting from some countries, underscoring the need for further research and action.

The release of this report serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive and devastating impact of sexual violence on children worldwide, demanding immediate and concerted efforts to protect the most vulnerable.