The International Day Of The Girl Child: A Call For Intervention Against Childhood Sexual Violence – OpEd

Each year, on October 11, observance of the International Day of the Girl Child stands as a vital reminder of the myriad challenges girl children used to encounter around the world.

Initiated by the United Nations in 2012, this observance brings attention to a range of critical issues, such as access to education, nutrition, legal rights, medical care, and the need for protection against discrimination, violence, and forced child marriage. In contemplating the theme for 2024—"Girls’ Vision for the Future"—it becomes crucial to address one of the most pervasive forms of violence that jeopardizes this vision: Childhood Sexual Violence. This widespread crime not only causes immediate suffering of its victims but also carries profound consequences for societies, economies, and the generations yet to come.

The Scale of the Crisis

Sexual violence against girl children represents a grave global crisis, impacting millions of lives. Recent estimates from UNICEF reveal that more than 370 million girls and women—around 1 in 8—have faced rape or sexual assault prior to turning 18 (UNICEF, 2024). Expanding the definition to encompass non-contact forms of sexual violence, including online exploitation and verbal abuse, reveals a staggering figure of 650 million, translating to 1 in 5 individuals worldwide. The data unveils a crisis that knows no borders—be they geographical, economic, or cultural—underscoring an urgent call for worldwide recognition and intervention.

The inaugural global and regional assessments of sexual violence against children have highlighted the alarming prevalence of this issue and the enduring repercussions it inflicts on survivors. Those who commit acts of sexual violence are frequently individuals familiar to the victim—be it family members, neighbors or peers—rendering the act of disclosure all the more daunting for survivors (Pereda et al., 2009). The stigma associated with sexual violence introduces a profound complexity, often silencing countless victims who grapple with feelings of shame, guilt, and the fear of potential repercussions. 

The Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, established in 1995, laid the groundwork for advancing girls' rights, emphasizing the importance of eliminating discrimination and enhancing access to education, particularly in STEM fields. However, despite the progress made, significant challenges still have been lingering on. As of 2024, there are still 119.3 million girls out of school, a decrease of only 4.3% since 2015. Alarmingly, 1 in 4 adolescent girls have experienced partner abuse by age 19, and an estimated 9 million girls will be married as children by 2030 (United Nations, 2024). Moreover, although more girls are enrolling in school, still they remained underrepresented in STEM education and careers, comprising only 35% of STEM graduates and 29% of STEM workers. Bridging this gap could significantly boost the rights of girls.

Even though it is widespread, still the childhood sexual violence continues to be one of the most underreported and grave forms of abuse. UNICEF reports that sub-Saharan Africa bears the highest burden, with 79 million girls and women impacted, representing 22% of the global cases (UNICEF, 2024). High numbers of survivors are also reported in Eastern and Southeastern Asia, as well as Central and Southern Asia. The regional disparities observed here reveal a complex interplay of cultural attitudes towards gender and sexual violence, alongside the robustness of legal protections and support systems in place.

In such complicated environments marked by civil/ethnic conflicts or political turmoil, the circumstances are considerably more severe. According to UNICEF, in such environments, the incidence of childhood sexual violence stands more than that 1 in 4 (UNICEF, 2024). In conflict zones, sexual violence is often used as a weapon, serving to instil fear within communities and to dominate those who are most vulnerable. In these contexts, girls and women find themselves especially vulnerable to be raped and exploited, as landscape marked by fragile social structures and a lack of protective measures.

Sexual Violence in the Digital Age

In the contemporary digital age, the realm of sexual violence has broadened to encompass online exploitation and abuse. With the expansion of internet access, the risk of children becoming targets for predators in online environments has been increasing exponentially. When examining non-contact forms of sexual violence, UNICEF's data reveals a staggering increase in the number of affected girls and women, reaching 650 million globally (UNICEF, 2024). The rise of online grooming, sextortion, and the spread of child sexual abuse material is becoming alarmingly common, driven by the anonymity and extensive reach of digital platforms.

The psychological harm wrought by online abuse can rival that of physical violence, with long-lasting repercussions that are equally significant. Confronting online sexual violence demands a comprehensive strategy that engages governments, law enforcement, technology firms, and civil society. Enhancing digital safety protocols, refining the oversight of online environments, and escalating consequences for online offenders are essential actions in mitigating the threat of abuse. Moreover, it is crucial to educate children about digital safety, providing them with the necessary tools to identify and report inappropriate online conduct.

Long-Term Consequences for Survivors

The impact of childhood sexual violence extends far beyond the initial acts of abuses. Survivors frequently bear the weight of psychological, physical, and emotional scars into their adult lives, confronting enduring mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Research shows that children who endure sexual violence face an increased likelihood of experiencing further abuse, whether from the same individual or different offenders (Pereda et al., 2009). This establishes a relentless cycle of victimization, further complicating the journey toward healing.

The aftermath for survivors can be profoundly impactful, encompassing the peril of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), unplanned pregnancies, and enduring reproductive health complications. The emotional and social consequences can be profound, frequently resulting in social isolation, a deep-seated distrust, and a struggle to cultivate healthy relationships. Survivors often face significant educational and employment hurdles, as the psychological burden of their trauma impedes their personal growth. Moreover, societal stigmas frequently hinder survivors from stepping forward or pursuing justice. In numerous cultures, the phenomenon of victim-blaming prevails, leading to discrimination, ostracization, or retaliation against those who dare to disclose their abuse. The problems to disclosure result in numerous cases remaining unreported, which significantly skews the understanding of the actual magnitude of the issue (Pereda et al., 2009).

Combatting the Crimes

To combat childhood sexual violence, governments must enhance legal frameworks, public awareness campaigns, comprehensive education programs, tailored support services for survivors, enhanced digital safety protocols, and cross-sectoral collaboration. These strategies aim to protect children from physical, verbal, and online abuse, and ensure robust enforcement of laws. Public awareness campaigns should challenge cultural norms and stigma, raise awareness about online risks, and equip children with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves from potential abuse.

Schools should integrate age-appropriate education about consent, healthy relationships, and digital safety into curricula. Governments and NGOs should collaborate to provide targeted support services, including accessible mental health services and community outreach programs. Digital safety protocols should be enhanced, with governments working closely with technology companies to regulate online platforms and implement stricter verification protocols. Specialized training for professionals, such as healthcare workers, educators, and law enforcement, is also essential. Cross-sectoral collaboration and research are also necessary to combat abuse and its underlying causes.

Conclusion

The issue of childhood sexual violence, manifesting in both physical and digital realms, stands as a critical global concern that requires urgent action. The International Day of the Girl Child underscores the urgency of this crisis, with UNICEF’s alarming statistics revealing the need for a comprehensive and coordinated response. Confronting this violence demands a unified approach from governments, civil society, and international organizations to establish legal, social, and digital protections for at-risk children. By fostering awareness, promoting education, and maintaining an unwavering dedication to justice, society can initiate the dismantling of the entrenched systems that sustain this violence, paving the way for a safer future for all children. In the battle against childhood sexual violence, safeguarding the most vulnerable members of our society must be a paramount global concern. It is only through this endeavor that we can start to forge a world in which every child is liberated from fear and afforded the chance to fully embrace their potential.