One in every 8 girls and women in the world has been a victim of sexual violencerevealed the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF for its acronym in English), this as part of the International Day of the Girl this October 11.
According to the agency’s report, More than 370 million girls and women have been victims of abuse sexual before the age of 18, which represents approximately one in eight.
The report highlights that if forms of sexual violence without physical contact, such as verbal or online harassment, are considered, the number of victims increases dramatically to 650 million, which is equivalent to one in five girls and women. These figures underline the urgent need to implement strategies comprehensive measures to prevent violence and provide support to victims.
“Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience. “This violence leaves deep and lasting consequences, often caused by people close to the children,” said Catherine Russell, executive director of UNICEF.
Las Regions most affected by sexual violence against girls and women include Africa Sub-Saharan, with 79 million victims (22%); East and Southeast Asia with 75 million (8%); and Latin America and the Caribbean with 45 million cases (18%). In all regions, the figures are alarming and show the magnitude of this global problem.
UNICEF and other organizations such as Plan International have expressed concern about the increase in sexual violence in “fragile environments”, especially in areas of armed conflict. In these places, rape and other types of gender violence are often used as weapons of war, exacerbating the situation for girls and women.
Although girls and women are the main victims, UNICEF also points out that the Boys and men are not exempt. It is estimated that between 240 and 310 million boys and men have suffered sexual abuse in their childhood, a figure that increases if forms of abuse without physical contact are included.
To address this serious problem, UNICEF has announced the first global ministerial conference to end violence against children and adolescents, which will be held in November in Colombia. This event will bring together governments, activists, survivors and young people to discuss concrete solutions.
This year, the theme of International Day of the Girl is “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” and focuses on the challenges girls face due to global crises such as climate change, conflict and poverty. The UN has highlighted that, despite progress, many girls continue to see their rights restricted and their development opportunities limited.
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