Prevalence of Sexual Violence Against Children and Use of Social Services — Seven Countries, 2007–2013

Sexual violence against children erodes the strong foundation that children require for leading healthy and productive lives. Globally, studies show that exposure to violence during childhood can increase vulnerability to a broad range of mental and physical health problems, ranging from depression...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:MMWR. Morbidity and mortality weekly report 2015-06, Vol.64 (21), p.565-569
Main Authors: Sumner, Steven A., Mercy, James A., Saul, Janet, Motsa-Nzuza, Nozipho, Kwesigabo, Gideon, Buluma, Robert, Marcelin, Louis H., Lina, Hang, Shawa, Mary, Moloney-Kitts, Michele, Kilbane, Theresa, Sommarin, Clara, Ligiero, Daniela P., Brookmeyer, Kathryn, Chiang, Laura, Lea, Veronica, Lee, Juliette, Kress, Howard, Hillis, Susan D.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Cambodia - epidemiology
Child
Child Abuse, Sexual - statistics & numerical data
Children
Crimes against
Female
Haiti - epidemiology
Humans
Kenya - epidemiology
Malawi - epidemiology
Male
Prevalence
Social service
Social Work - statistics & numerical data
Swaziland - epidemiology
Tanzania - epidemiology
Young Adult
Zimbabwe - epidemiology
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Summary:Sexual violence against children erodes the strong foundation that children require for leading healthy and productive lives. Globally, studies show that exposure to violence during childhood can increase vulnerability to a broad range of mental and physical health problems, ranging from depression and unwanted pregnancy to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and sexually transmitted diseases, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Despite this, in many countries, the extent of sexual violence against children is unknown; estimates are needed to stimulate prevention and response efforts and to monitor progress. Consequently, CDC, as a member of the global public-private partnership known as Together for Girls, collaborated with Cambodia, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Swaziland, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe to conduct national household surveys of children and youth aged 13-24 years to measure the extent of violence against children. The lifetime prevalence of experiencing any form of sexual violence in childhood ranged from 4.4% among females in Cambodia to 37.6% among females in Swaziland, with prevalence in most countries greater than 25.0%. In most countries surveyed, the proportion of victims that received services, including health and child protective services, was ≤10.0%. Both prevention and response strategies for sexual violence are needed.
ISSN:0149-2195
1545-861X