A new study has revealed that sexual violence against children is a global problem, affecting one in five women and one in seven men aged 20 and older. The research, published in The Lancet, shows that many survivors are first exposed to sexual abuse during childhood, often before the age of 12.
Study Overview
Conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington, this is the most detailed study on sexual violence against children (SVAC) to date. It covers 204 locations globally, from 1990 to 2023, and provides a comprehensive look at the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse by age and gender.
Findings on Timing of Abuse
The study found that among young survivors aged 13 to 24, 67% of girls and 72% of boys experienced their first incident of sexual abuse before the age of 18. Alarmingly, nearly 42% of girls and 48% of boys had their first experience before the age of 16. The most concerning data showed that 8% of girls and 14% of boys were first abused before turning 12.
Global Prevalence Rates
The study also found that the global prevalence of childhood sexual abuse has remained high since 1990, with 19% of women and almost 15% of men reporting abuse. The prevalence was similar in both high- and low-income countries, showing that sexual violence against children is a widespread issue regardless of a country’s economic status.
Countries with the Highest Rates
Certain countries had higher rates of sexual violence against children. For women, the highest rates were in the Solomon Islands (43%), Côte d’Ivoire (32%), Chile (31%), Costa Rica, and India (31%). For men, the highest rates were in Côte d’Ivoire (28%), Bangladesh (28%), and Botswana (27%). The United States had a rate of about 28% for women and 16% for men, while the UK had a rate of 24% for women and 17% for men.
Impact on Survivors
The consequences of sexual violence during childhood are severe and long-lasting. Survivors are at a higher risk of mental health issues, including depression and anxiety, substance abuse, and even physical health problems like asthma. Childhood sexual abuse can also negatively affect social development, educational success, and future economic opportunities.
Need for Urgent Action
Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou, the study’s senior author, emphasized the need for urgent action to prevent sexual violence against children. She called for stronger laws, better policies, and improved responses to this global issue.
Data Gaps and Recommendations
The research also highlighted gaps in data collection and measurement inconsistencies, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Experts urge the need for better surveillance programs to track sexual violence against children, which would help improve child protection efforts and ensure better care and support for survivors.
Conclusion
This study underscores the need for global action to protect children from sexual violence. The findings stress the importance of early intervention, prevention strategies, and better support systems for survivors, aiming to reduce the long-term effects of abuse.
