Global Crisis of Sexual Violence Against Children

A recent UNICEF report highlights the alarming scale of sexual violence against children worldwide. It estimates that hundreds of millions of children, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, East and Southeast Asia, and Europe and North America, face such abuse, often from known individuals in familiar settings.

This violence leaves lasting trauma and increases risks of mental health issues and substance abuse. The problem intensifies during adolescence, with a significant rise in incidents between ages 14 and 17. Online and verbal abuses push the numbers to 650 million affected globally.

UNICEF stresses the need for stronger legislation, better education, and a multisectoral approach to combat this issue effectively. The upcoming ministerial conference in Bogotá aims to address these concerns, emphasizing the importance of involving all societal sectors, including religious leaders, in prevention and response efforts.

The organization urges continued investment in protective measures and legislative adaptations to address the growing threat of online violence.