Sexual violence against girls is becoming a serious problem around the world. The latest figures from UNICEF have highlighted the seriousness of this problem. According to these figures, one out of every 8 girls worldwide is a victim of sexual violence before the age of 18. This shocking report shows that girls aged 14 to 17 years are the most victims of sexual violence.
Where does sexual violence against girls occur most?
A UNICEF report states that more than 370 million girls worldwide have experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. This figure is very worrying. The report also said that cases of sexual violence against girls are more common in war-torn areas and developing countries.
Most cases of sexual violence in the world occur in the areas of Africa bordering the Sahara desert. 7.9 crore girls are affected by sexual violence. Additionally, 73 million girls in East and Southeast Asia are affected by sexual violence. Additionally, 68 million girls in Europe and North America are affected by sexual violence. Whereas in Latin America and Caribbean countries this figure is 45 lakhs. 29 million girls in North Africa and West Asia are affected by sexual violence. Furthermore, six million girls in Onitsia are affected by sexual violence.
An estimated 24 to 31 million boys and men have experienced childhood sexual violence. This means that one in 11 boys experiences sexual violence. UNICEF has collected data on sexual violence against girls from 120 countries between 2010 and 2022. UNICEF reports that weak institutions, political or security crises put girls at greater risk. UNICEF estimates that more than 37 million girls and women have been victims of sexual violence or rape.1