Epidemiology

Sexual violence is a global problem that affects individuals of all ages. Results of a large-scale study presented to the General Assembly of the United Nations in 2006 reported that an estimated 150 million girls and 73 million boys younger than 18 years of age worldwide experienced forced sexual intercourse or other forms of sexual violence during 2002.[3] The same study cited data indicating that 7% to 36% of women and 3% to 29% of men reported sexual victimisation during childhood.

An estimated 4.5% of children in the US have experienced childhood sexual abuse, but this is likely an underestimate because the data are limited to reported cases.[4] A general population survey of children 0 to 17 years of age in the US showed a 1% decline in aggregate sexual assault from 2011 to 2014.[5] In the UK, a report by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children states that in 2015 to 2016 the rate of sexual offences in children younger than 16 years of age was 36.3 per 10,000 children in England, 41.9 per 10,000 children in Wales, 41.7 per 10,000 children in Northern Ireland, and 40.7 per 10,000 children in Scotland.[6] It is unclear whether the increase and later decline in reported child sexual rates in the 20th century represent true trends or changes in reporting practices.[7][8][9]​ Estimating the prevalence of childhood sexual abuse is problematic because of varying definitions for what is considered abuse, not only on the part of researchers and policymakers, but also by the victims themselves. Furthermore, the sensitive nature of the topic is likely to influence official reporting and survey response rates.

The majority of perpetrators of sexual abuse against children are people known to their victims.[3] Girls have a 1.5 to 3 times higher risk of sexual victimisation than boys.[3] Whereas associations have been made between other forms of child maltreatment (neglect, emotional abuse, and physical abuse) and social stressors such as poverty and lack of community services, sexual abuse of children occurs across social strata.[10][11]

Global estimates indicate that 30% of women aged 15 years and older have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or non-partner violence in their lifetime.[12]​ The following groups are at higher risk of sexual abuse: adolescents and young women, people with learning and other disabilities, people with a low income, homeless people, sex workers, incarcerated women, and those living in institutions or areas of conflict.[13][14][15]​​​[16]

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