A shocking new report from UNICEF has highlighted the widespread issue of sexual violence against minors, revealing that over 370 million girls and women worldwide—roughly 1 in 8—have been raped or sexually assaulted before their 18th birthday. The report paints a grim picture of global abuse, with the numbers rising even further when including non-contact forms of abuse, such as online harassment, which impacts 1 in 5 girls.
While girls and women are disproportionately affected, boys and men also face significant rates of abuse, with 1 in 11 reporting sexual violence during childhood.
The report shows that Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest incidence of sexual violence, with 22% of girls and women impacted. Eastern and South-Eastern Asia follow with an 8% rate of abuse.
Rape statistics worldwide reveal a deeply troubling global crisis, with sexual violence impacting millions, particularly women and girls.
Here are some key statistics:
- Global Prevalence:
- 1 in 8 girls (about 370 million) are raped or sexually assaulted before the age of 18, according to a 2024 UNICEF report.
- When including other forms of abuse such as online harassment and non-contact sexual violence, the number increases to 1 in 5 girls affected.
- Gender Disparities:
- Boys and men also experience sexual violence, with approximately 1 in 11 boys affected by childhood sexual abuse.
- Regional Statistics:
- Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rates, with 22% of girls and women experiencing sexual violence.
- Eastern and South-Eastern Asia report an 8% prevalence rate among girls and women.
- Latin America and the Caribbean also report significant levels of sexual violence against women.
- Impact of Conflict:
- Sexual violence in conflict zones is rampant. In war-torn regions, sexual violence is used as a weapon of war, and rape rates are often higher.
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Syria, and Myanmar have some of the highest incidences of sexual violence during armed conflict.
- Underreporting:
- A significant number of sexual assault cases go unreported. 80-90% of sexual violence survivors do not report the crime, often due to fear of stigma, lack of trust in legal systems, or a lack of resources to support victims.
- Laws and Enforcement:
- Many countries still lack comprehensive laws to protect victims or punish perpetrators. In some regions, rape laws are outdated, and victims face significant barriers to accessing justice.
These statistics underscore the need for urgent global action to prevent sexual violence, ensure accountability, and support survivors.
