Did you know 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men experience sexual abuse by age 15?
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Synopsis
A groundbreaking study reveals that 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men worldwide endure sexual violence by the age of 15. This alarming statistic highlights the urgent need for global action to protect children. Learn more about the profound implications of this research and the call for improved policies and support systems.
Key Takeaways
- 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men globally experience sexual violence by age 15.
- 67% of females and 72% of males report first abuse during childhood.
- Nearly 42% of females and 48% of males faced incidents before age 16.
- Immediate action is needed to enhance laws and support systems.
- Standardized practices can improve tracking and reporting of sexual violence.
New Delhi, May 8 (NationPress) A staggering 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men globally, aged 20 and above, have faced sexual violence by the time they reached 15 years old or younger, as revealed by a study featured in The Lancet on Thursday.
This research conducted by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, US, indicates that 67 percent of females and 72 percent of males reported being first sexually abused during their childhood, prior to turning 18.
A shocking 42 percent of females and around 48 percent of males stated that their initial experience with sexual violence occurred before they turned 16. Alarmingly, 8 percent of female survivors and 14 percent of male survivors disclosed that they were first exposed to sexual violence before the age of 12.
“Sexual violence against children is a pervasive human rights and public health crisis, and it is evident that the global community is failing to address it,” expressed senior author Dr. Emmanuela Gakidou, a Professor at IHME.
“The rate of survivors encountering sexual abuse at such tender ages is deeply troubling, necessitating immediate action from all nations to enhance laws, policies, and the responses of experts,” Gakidou added.
This analysis draws from the latest Global Burden of Disease research, which encompasses data from 204 locations by age and sex spanning from 1990 to 2023, while also considering the age at which individuals were first subjected to such violence.
“Victims of sexual violence in childhood face heightened risks of developing depression, anxiety, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections, and even asthma. Furthermore, sexual violence against children (SVAC) can adversely affect their social development, academic performance, and economic success, highlighting the urgent necessity for effective prevention strategies and responsive support systems to alleviate these long-lasting repercussions,” remarked Dr. Luisa Flor, Assistant Professor at IHME.
The study also highlighted significant deficiencies in data collection and inconsistencies in measurement, underscoring the critical need for expanded surveillance programs, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Establishing standardized best practices for monitoring sexual violence against children could assist experts in identifying obstacles to disclosure, reporting, and care, thereby fostering improved child protection policies.
Point of View
It is our responsibility to highlight the pressing issue of sexual violence against children. This study underscores the urgent need for collective action from governments and organizations globally to address this epidemic. It is crucial to advocate for better policies and support systems to safeguard our future generations.
NationPress
20/05/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentage of women and men experience sexual violence by age 15?
Approximately 1 in 5 women and 1 in 7 men experience sexual violence by the time they reach 15 years old.
What age do most survivors report experiencing sexual abuse?
The research indicates that many survivors report their first experience of sexual abuse before the age of 16.
Why is this study important?
This study highlights the urgent need for global awareness and action to address childhood sexual violence and its long-term effects.
