Promising programmes to prevent and respond to child sexual abuse and exploitation

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has estimated that 120 million girls globally under the age of 20 (about 1 in 10) have experienced forced sexual intercourse or other forced sexual acts. Girls typically report rates of sexual abuse at least three times higher than rates reported by boys, although boys are also at risk. Child sexual abuse and exploitation is a widespread problem with significant adverse consequences for children’s health, well-being and life chances. Nearly half of adolescent girls experiencing sexual abuse never tell anyone; 7 out of 10 never seek help. The global costs of physical, psychological and sexual violence towards children are between 3–8 per cent of global gross domestic product (GDP).