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

Research Output:
Book/Report
Commissioned report
Peer-review

Open access

Sustainable Development Goals

  • SDG 5 - Gender Equality
    SDG 5 Gender Equality
  • SDG 16 - Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
    SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

Abstract

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).

Publication Information

Output type

Research Output:
Book/Report
Commissioned report
Peer-review

Original language

English

Publication milestones

  • Published - 31/12/2015

Publication status

Published - 31/12/2015

Publisher

UNICEF, Switzerland

Publication IDs

  • handle.net: 10547/625608