UNICEF Report: Over 370 Million Girls and Women Experienced Sexual Violence Before Age 18

The report, released ahead of the International Day of the Girl, underscores the profound and lasting impact of sexual violence on survivors, with a particularly high prevalence in adolescent girls.

A new UNICEF report reveals that more than 370 million girls and women worldwide – 1 in 8 – experienced rape or sexual assault before turning 18, marking the first-ever global estimates on childhood sexual violence. When including non-contact forms of abuse, such as online harassment, the number rises to 650 million, or 1 in 5 girls and women.

The report, released ahead of the International Day of the Girl, underscores the profound and lasting impact of sexual violence on survivors, with a particularly high prevalence in adolescent girls. "Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience," said UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell. "It inflicts deep trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts."

The data show that sexual violence against children is pervasive, affecting all regions. Sub-Saharan Africa reports the highest number of victims (79 million), followed by Asia, Europe, and Latin America. In fragile settings, such as conflict zones or areas with displaced populations, the risk is even greater, with more than 1 in 4 girls affected.

Most cases occur during adolescence, with a sharp increase between ages 14 and 17. Survivors often face long-term health and emotional challenges, including higher risks of mental health issues, substance abuse, and difficulties in forming relationships. Many victims delay disclosing their experiences, compounding the impact of their trauma.

Although girls are disproportionately affected, the report also highlights the experiences of boys, with an estimated 240 to 310 million males having suffered sexual violence in childhood.

As global leaders prepare to meet at the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia next month, UNICEF calls for intensified efforts to combat childhood sexual violence. Key recommendations include changing harmful social norms, equipping children with tools to report abuse, ensuring access to justice and support for victims, and improving data collection to monitor progress.

The report calls for immediate global action to protect children and build a safer future.