Global study exposes unseen scale of child sexual violence

A major international study has revealed the scale of sexual violence against children worldwide, with researchers estimating that more than 130 million children were affected in 2024 alone.

The research, led by Georgia State University alongside Childlight Global Child Safety Institute and Together for Girls, found that one in five women and one in six men globally experienced sexual violence during childhood.

Drawing on 1,412 studies across 147 countries, the research – published in Nature Human Behaviour – represents the most comprehensive evidence base to date on the prevalence of child sexual violence. Researchers used definitions from UNICEF, including acts that result in or are likely to result in injury, pain or psychological suffering.

Professor Xiangming Fang described the scale and significance of the findings: “This study represents the largest evidence base ever assembled on sexual violence against children.” He added that “our findings highlight the alarming global burden of sexual violence against children and the urgent need for evidence-based prevention strategies and programs to safeguard children worldwide.”

Despite a growing number of studies over the past two decades, the researchers noted that few have systematically combined global data to produce reliable prevalence estimates—until now.

The study also identified regional variations in prevalence. In most parts of the world, girls are more likely than boys to experience sexual violence. However, this gap narrows across much of Asia, as well as in Southern Europe and South America.

Professor Fang explained: “In most regions, prevalence is higher among girls than boys. However, across much of Asia, as well as in Southern Europe and South America, these differences are less pronounced. More research is needed to better understand the factors driving these regional patterns.”

For Professor Debi Fry, Director of Data at Childlight, the findings underline the urgency of action. She said: “Evidence at this scale leaves no room for doubt that child sexual violence is one of the most significant and preventable threats facing children worldwide, with lifelong consequences for health, wellbeing and opportunity.”

She added: “It’s clear that governments must view this as a global health emergency and invest in the same level of coordinated prevention, data systems and accountability that the world has mobilised to confront other major threats to human health.”

The report also highlights how robust data can inform effective prevention strategies. Researchers point to Kenya, where Violence Against Children and Youth Surveys contributed to a reduction in sexual violence against girls from 36% in 2010 to 25% in 2019. This progress followed the introduction of a National Response Plan bringing together health, education, justice and social care systems, alongside civil society and international partners.

Monitoring of the Kenyan response identified key success factors, including stronger legal frameworks, improved information systems and increased capacity among service providers, while also highlighting areas requiring further development.

Daniela Ligiero, CEO and President of Together for Girls, called for urgent global commitments: “We now know the scale of this problem. We also know what works to prevent childhood sexual violence and promote healing and justice for survivors. Now is the time to act.”

She added: “We call on governments to make strong pledges at this year's Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children in Manila. We ask policy makers, civil society, advocates, and communities to implement programs and policies that keep children and adolescents safe in their homes, schools, and communities, using WHO’s INSPIRE Framework, the Safe Futures Hub, and the Out of the Shadows Index as starting points.”

The authors argue that the findings should serve as a catalyst for coordinated global action, particularly for social work, education and safeguarding professionals tasked with protecting children from harm.