Global Prevalence of Sexual Violence Against Children: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Sexual violence against children is a global concern, yet worldwide figures of its prevalence are scant.

Objective

To estimate the global prevalence of sexual violence against children using national-level population-based studies.

Data sources

We searched the PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, Web of Science, PsycINFO, ERIC, and APA PsycArticles databases from their respective inceptions to March 2022. Searches were updated through April 2024.

Study selection

Reports were included if (1) they were national-level population-based studies, (2) they reported lifetime or past-year prevalence data on any form of sexual violence against children (mean age ≤19 years), and (3) the data were based on children's self-reports of sexual violence perpetrated by anyone.

SUBMITTER: Piolanti A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11877167 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature