"1 in 8 Women Experienced Sexual Violence Before Age 18, UNICEF Reports"

One in Five Experience Verbal Sexual Violence
Regional Differences... Sub-Saharan Africa Highest
"Childhood Victimization, Adolescent Intervention Crucial"

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A survey revealed that one in eight women worldwide has experienced sexual violence before the age of 18.

According to the global survey on child and adolescent sexual violence released on the 10th (local time) by the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), more than 370 million women have experienced various forms of sexual violence, including rape, before turning 18. UNICEF pointed out that "one in eight women experienced such incidents during childhood, highlighting the widespread reality of sexual violence worldwide." When including verbal sexual violence occurring in both online and offline spaces, the number of women who experienced sexual violence before 18 rises to 650 million, or one in five.

There were also differences in the proportion of affected women by region. Sub-Saharan Africa showed the highest rate at 22%, followed by Latin America and the Caribbean at 18%, and North Africa and West Asia at 15%. Next were Europe and North America (14%), Central and South Asia (9%), and Southeast and South Asia (8%). In regions where sexual violence prevention systems are insufficient or where political or security crises have caused many refugees, one in four women reported experiencing sexual violence before the age of 18.

UNICEF explained, "Sexual violence mainly occurs during adolescence, with a sharp increase between ages 14 and 17," adding, "Intervening during adolescence is crucial because experiencing abuse in childhood increases the risk of repeated abuse." Furthermore, they noted, "The psychological trauma of victims can persist into adulthood, exposing them to risks such as sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, social isolation, and depression."

Additionally, sexual violence against males during childhood and adolescence was discussed as a serious issue that countries need to thoroughly investigate and find solutions for. UNICEF estimated that one in eleven males experiences sexual violence before the age of 18, with the number of victims ranging from approximately 240 million to 310 million.