New York: In a sobering update issued by the United Nations, it has been revealed that more than 370 million girls and women globally have been subjected to rape or sexual assault before turning 18. This data, published in anticipation of the International Day of the Girl Child, underscores the prevalence of sexual violence against children, particularly girls, with implications that can last a lifetime.

According to United Nations Pakistan, the statistics presented are part of the first-ever global and regional estimates of sexual violence against children. These findings were released by UNICEF, which documented not only direct sexual assaults but also ‘non-contact’ violations such as online or verbal abuse, bringing the total affected to 650 million.

The report highlights a particularly acute risk in fragile environments, such as conflict zones and regions with weak governance, where girls are even more vulnerable to sexual violence. The analysis shows a higher incidence of such assaults during adolescence, particularly between ages 14 and 17, often by known and trusted individuals in supposed safe spaces.

UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, emphasized the severe impact of these atrocities, stating, “Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience,” and called for comprehensive strategies to combat and mitigate these crimes. The report also noted that while girls are disproportionately affected, boys are also significant victims of sexual violence, with potentially hundreds of millions affected.

As the world prepares for the Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia, the urgency to address this issue is clear. Proposed measures include improving societal attitudes, enhancing legal protections, and increasing investment in data collection to better understand and combat sexual violence against children globally.