Epidemiology

Sexual violence is a global problem that affects individuals of all ages. More than half of women and nearly 1 in 3 men have experienced sexual violence involving physical contact at some point in their lives.[3][4]​​​​​ According to a report commissioned by United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) in 2020, 12.7% of the world’s children had been sexually abused before reaching the age of 18 years. Around 1 in 5 girls and 1 in 13 boys globally have been sexually abused or exploited before turning 18 years.[5][6]​​​​​​ According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1 in 4 girls and 1 in 20 boys in the US experience child sexual abuse.[7][8][9][10]​​​ In the UK, an estimated 1 in 20 children have been sexually abused.[11][12]

Teenagers, especially girls, are more frequently victimised by sexual abuse than younger children.[5][11]​​ According to UNICEF, approximately 1 in 20 girls aged 15-19 years (about 13 million) have experienced forced sex during their lifetime.[5][13]​​ Girls typically report rates of victimisation that are two to three times higher than boys. However, in certain contexts and organisational settings, boys have been found to experience higher rates of victimisation.

Most children know their abusers.[5][7]​ While most people who cause sexual harm to children are adolescents or adults, young children may also cause sexual harm to others.[5]

It is important to note that estimating the prevalence of child sexual abuse is problematic because of varying definitions for what is considered abuse, not only on the part of researchers and policymakers, but also the victims themselves. Furthermore, the sensitive nature of the topic is likely to influence official reporting and survey response rates. Data for online abuse and for sexual exploitation are also limited.[5]

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