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Report shows high rates of sexual violence against children, low rates of victims’ services

Nearly a quarter of children have been the victim of sexual violence, across seven countries, but only a small number of victims received any health or child protective services after their experience, according to a recent MMWR  from the CDC.

“Far too many of the world’s children experience sexual violence and have long-lasting physical and mental health effects. It is crucial that communities, governments, and families increase legal and society-wide efforts to protect children and provide health care, legal and counseling support,” Tom Freiden, MD, MPH, CDC director, said in a press release.

Tom Frieden

The CDC and UNICEF conducted the Violence Against Children Surveys (VACS) in Cambodia, Haiti, Kenya, Malawi, Swaziland, Tanzania and Zimbabwe between 2007 and 2013 to assess the extent of sexual violence against children.

Results demonstrated that rates of sexual violence varied among countries. Cambodia had the lowest rates, with 4.4% of girls and 5.6% of boys being victims of sexual violence. Swaziland and Zimbabwe reported the highest rates of sexual violence among girls at 37.6% and 32.5%, respectively. However, Zimbabwe had significant rates of sexual violence against boys (8.9%), compared with girls. A high prevalence of sexual violence against both boys (21.2%) and girls (25.7%) was seen in Haiti.

Across all surveyed countries, rates of victims receiving services, including health care, legal aid, security aid and counseling, were low, averaging below 10%.

Victims seeking services averaged 16.2% and 10.8% for girls and boys, respectively, in Tanzania to only 6.8% and 2.1% in girls and boys, respectively, in Kenya.

More than 10% of girls reported being the victim of unwanted, completed penetrative sex, across 50% of the surveyed countries.

The researchers noted that previous research has shown that sexual violence is a major risk factor for HIV, heart disease, cancer, diabetes, tobacco use, drug and alcohol addiction, other sexually transmitted diseases, depression, mental illness and other psychological condition. Additionally, victims of sexual violence may be more prone to further sexual exploitation, promiscuity, experiencing or perpetrating rape and unintended pregnancy.

The prevention of sexual violence worldwide is a vital part of the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, according to a press release.

“The prevention of sexual violence and promotion of safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for children needs more research, as does the assessment of other social, structural/environmental, or clinical approaches. VACS are creating a foundation for such actions,” the researchers wrote. – by Casey Hower

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.