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UNICEF: More than 370 million girls are victims of sexual violence

UNICEF: More than 370 million girls are victims of sexual violence

More than 370 million girls and young women under the age of 18 have been raped or sexually assaulted worldwide, according to the United Nations Children's Agency (UNICEF).

These are the agency's first figures on sexual violence against children, globally, and were published a day before the International Day of the Girl.

The data mean that one in eight girls is affected by this form of violence.

If the data also includes other forms of sexual violence, such as those committed online or verbal violence, then the number would go to over 650 million, which means that every fifth girl has faced some form of violence, UNICEF said. .

The situation is more complicated in the most vulnerable regions, such as those with weaker institutions, the presence of United Nations peacekeeping forces, or the presence of many refugees fleeing violence and insecurity.

In these situations, the rate of rape and sexual assault can increase to more than one in four girls.

Boys and young men are also affected by sexual violence, the agency reported.

It is estimated that between 240 and 310 million boys – about one in 11 – experienced sexual violence or assault during childhood.

According to the data, the most frequent cases of sexual violence occur during adolescence.

The regions with the highest number of cases of sexual violence against children are: sub-Saharan Africa, followed by East and Southeast Asia, Central and South Asia, and then Europe and North America.

The report was compiled after conducting surveys in more than 120 countries and territories in the period 2010-2022, UNICEF said./ REL

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