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UNICEF: 1 in 8 girls and women globally suffered sexual assault before age 18

UNICEF’s report reveals over 370 million girls and women globally have experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18. This alarming figure, presented on 9 October, highlights the pervasiveness of childhood sexual violence, especially in fragile and conflict-affected areas, demanding urgent global action.

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The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reveals that more than 370 million girls and women globally—roughly 1 in 8—experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18.

These findings, the first-ever global and regional estimates on childhood sexual violence, highlight a pervasive issue that transcends geographical, cultural, and economic boundaries.

The report, issued on 9 October 2024, was published ahead of the International Day of the Girl, drawing attention to the urgent need for targeted interventions and comprehensive support to address the widespread violation.

The report also states that when ‘non-contact’ forms of sexual violence, such as online or verbal abuse, are included, the number of affected girls and women rises to a staggering 650 million worldwide, or 1 in 5.

These figures underscore the critical need for more effective prevention and support strategies to combat all forms of violence and abuse against children.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell condemned the prevalence of such violence, saying, “Sexual violence against children is a stain on our moral conscience. It inflicts deep and lasting trauma, often by someone the child knows and trusts, in places where they should feel safe.”

The report emphasises that childhood sexual violence often occurs in environments where victims expect protection, such as homes, schools, and communities.

Geographically, Sub-Saharan Africa recorded the highest number of victims, with 79 million girls and women affected, accounting for 22% of the population.

This was followed by Eastern and South-Eastern Asia with 75 million cases (8%), Central and Southern Asia with 73 million (9%), Europe and Northern America with 68 million (14%), Latin America and the Caribbean with 45 million (18%), Northern Africa and Western Asia with 29 million (15%), and Oceania with 6 million, representing 34% of the population in the region.

In conflict zones and fragile settings, where governance and institutional support are weak, girls face even greater risks.

The report revealed that in these areas, the prevalence of childhood rape and sexual assault affects more than 1 in 4 girls.

Catherine Russell further stated, “We are witnessing horrific sexual violence in conflict zones, where rape and gender-based violence are often used as weapons of war.”

The data also reveal that most sexual violence against children occurs during adolescence, with a marked increase between the ages of 14 and 17.

This critical age group experiences heightened vulnerability, and studies indicate that victims of sexual violence are more likely to endure repeated abuse.

Experts stress the importance of targeted interventions during adolescence to disrupt this cycle and mitigate long-term consequences.

The repercussions of childhood sexual violence can be severe and enduring.

Survivors often face heightened risks of sexually transmitted diseases, substance abuse, social isolation, mental health issues, and difficulties in forming healthy relationships.

The trauma may be further compounded when children delay reporting or choose to remain silent about their experiences.

Report Highlights Childhood Sexual Violence Impact on Boys, Affecting 1 in 11 Globally

Although the report focuses primarily on girls and women, UNICEF’s findings also highlight the significant impact of childhood sexual violence on boys and men.

It is estimated that 240 to 310 million boys and men—roughly 1 in 11—were raped or sexually assaulted during childhood. This figure rises to between 410 and 530 million when non-contact forms of sexual violence are considered.

Despite these alarming statistics, data gaps persist, particularly regarding boys’ experiences and non-contact forms of sexual violence.

UNICEF has called for increased investment in data collection to better understand the full extent of sexual violence against children.

As the world prepares for the inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Violence Against Children in Colombia next month, the report underscores the urgent need for a coordinated global response.

UNICEF calls for an intensified effort to combat childhood sexual violence through several key actions:

  1. Challenging social and cultural norms that enable sexual violence and deter children from seeking help.
  2. Equipping children with accurate and age-appropriate information to help them identify and report abuse.
  3. Ensuring access to services for victims and survivors, providing justice and healing while preventing further harm.
  4. Strengthening legal frameworks to protect children, including regulations within organisations working with children, and investing in systems for implementation.
  5. Building robust national data systems to track progress and ensure accountability using international standards like the International Classification of Violence against Children.

UNICEF’s report is based on a comprehensive review of data collected from 120 countries between 2010 and 2022.

While more information is available on girls and women, the report acknowledges gaps in data on boys and non-contact sexual violence, emphasising the need for broader and more consistent global research to inform future policies and interventions.

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Civil Society

Property agent Shaik Amar opens up about POFMA ordeal: ‘It greatly affected my mental health’

Shaik Amar, the property agent who was issued a POFMA correction direction two months ago, publicly shared the emotional and professional toll it took on him in a TikTok video on 27 September. He described the experience as traumatic and overwhelming, revealing how it impacted his mental health and his family, marking a rare instance of a non-politician discussing POFMA publicly.

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1 week ago

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1 October 2024

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SINGAPORE: Shaik Amar, the property agent who was issued a correction direction order under the Online Falsehoods and Manipulation Act (POFMA) two months ago, has spoken up publicly for the first time about the emotional and professional toll the incident took on him.

In a TikTok video posted on 27 September, Shaik shared his reflections, marking a rare instance of a non-politician Singaporean to discuss an experience with POFMA.

In the video, Shaik described the ordeal as traumatic, sad, and overwhelming, revealing how the process affected his mental health and impacted his personal and professional life.

“I do think that it was something that really affected my mental health to a great deal.”

He recounted the challenges of dealing with the sudden media attention and the confusion it caused within his family.

“Just two years ago I was an absolute nobody. two years later I wake up and every single hit line at 1 PM, is my name.”

He emphasised the emotional burden not just on himself, but also on his family, particularly his mother-in-law, who struggled to understand the situation, “and she has to explain to people who are calling her, asking her as if her son-in-law is a criminal.”

“I think that’s something that a lot of people don’t talk about, the embarrassment and shame, this doesn’t even end at just putting up a (correction) notice and then it’s over, you can’t just be quiet about it. Your family gets affected as well.”

“It was very depressing because you, you have no way to really explain yourself or process it, or even understand what the hell is going on, ” he said.

Mr Shaik that the incident significantly affected his career, family, and mental health, “It took me an entire month just to be even have the guts to even speak to you each and every one of you like this.”

“Leave policies discussion to Parliament”

The property agent reflected on his regret regarding the video that led to the POFMA correction, acknowledging that while he intended to express his care for Singapore and its people, he underestimated the reach and influence of his platform.

“Honestly, I thought POFMA was something only people like Lee Hsien Yang would face,” he remarked.

Looking ahead, Shaik stated that he would no longer produce political content or comment on Singapore’s policies, leaving that responsibility to Parliament.

Despite the challenges, Shaik expressed gratitude to the hundreds of supporters who reached out to him during the difficult time. He credited their support for helping him cope with the experience.

@thatproperty.guy

Just some reflections on my journey after getting a pofma and some key things ive uncovered while still continuing to observe the market as a singaporean. #pofma #singaporeproperty #sghdb #homebuyers #propertyagents #sgrealtor . . . . This content and associated graphics are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice. For specific property-related inquiries or guidance, please consult a qualified real estate agent.

♬ original sound – Shaik Amar – That Property Guy – Shaik Amar – That Property Guy

POFMA direction issued to Mr Shaik on Ethnic Integration Policy

Mr Shaik was issued a correction direction on 1 August 2024 for an eight-minute video criticizing Singapore’s Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP).

In the video, he claimed that Malay and Indian homeowners face significant disadvantages when selling their HDB flats, referencing a $1.73 million sale in his neighborhood.

He suggested minority homeowners might need to offer large discounts due to the Chinese EIP limit.

The Ministry of National Development (MND) in an statement rebutted his claims, calling them false and misleading, and emphasised that the EIP benefits minorities by ensuring flat availability for them in all HDB neighborhoods.

MND also noted that focusing only on resale overlooks the policy’s broader framework.

MND defended that Without the EIP, over time, fewer homeowners from minority communities would own flats in such estates, which would be detrimental in several ways, including reducing the likelihood of future owners from minority communities in these estates benefiting from future value increases.

MND highlighted that Mr. Shaik himself benefited from the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP), as his household would not have been able to select a flat without it.

During the Sale of Balance Flats (SBF) exercise where he booked his unit at SkyOasis @ Dawson, all minority first-time applicants were invited to select a flat, compared to only 40% of Chinese applicants due to the EIP limit.

MND also noted that the value of flats at SkyOasis @ Dawson has significantly appreciated. This policy ensures that minority communities can benefit from such value increases when reselling their flats.

MND also clarified that the Ethnic Integration Policy (EIP) was introduced in 1989 to prevent ethnic enclaves in HDB estates.

Various measures have been implemented to help EIP-constrained flat owners, such as granting extra time to sell their flats or waiving EIP limits in special cases.

In 2022, the EIP buyback assistance scheme was introduced, allowing eligible homeowners to sell their flats to HDB at fair market prices. To qualify, households must have owned the flat for at least 10 years and marketed it reasonably for six months.

Special appeals can be made to HDB for exceptions. Flats bought back by HDB are sold through sales exercises, with minority buyers eligible for subsidies if Chinese EIP limits are reached, MND added.

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Crime

Indonesian woman returns paralyzed from Riyadh sparks human trafficking suspicions

Budi Hartini, a paralyzed Indonesian migrant worker returning from Riyadh, prompts a human trafficking investigation, raising concerns about migrant worker safety.

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1 year ago

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27 September 2023

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INDONESIA: In a shocking turn of events, a 39-year-old woman identified as Budi Hartini hailing from Teniga Village in the Tanjung District of North Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), has been left paralyzed after her return from Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in September 2022.

Authorities suspect that she may have fallen victim to human trafficking.

Hartini’s condition is currently dire, as she is unable to speak and is confined to a wheelchair. Disturbingly, there are visible stitches on her head and scars on her throat.

Muhammad Saleh, the Chairperson of the Migrant Workers Legal Aid Center, revealed, “When she was brought back (picked up in Jakarta), she was already paralyzed, her head had already been fractured but had been stitched back together. Her body is now paralyzed; she can’t speak, can’t do anything, and no one seems to be taking responsibility.”

Budi Hartini has filed a report on her alleged human trafficking ordeal with the North Lombok Regional Police.

Accompanied by her family, the village head, the Legal Aid Center, and migrant worker protection advocates, she submitted her complaint to the Directorate of General Crime Investigation (Dit Reskrimum) at the NTB Regional Police headquarters.

According to Saleh, Hartini’s case goes beyond the usual human trafficking cases and involves potential violations of human rights.

“Because this case is not just a regular human trafficking case, but it involves human rights violations. The victim’s head was fractured, allegedly from a fall at the airport. But we do not yet know if this occurred at the airport,” he explained.

Saleh added that if the victim did fall at the airport, there should be an official statement from airport authorities or a local hospital.

“Because the airport is a highly accountable place. So, if someone falls, there should be a letter from the airport authorities, perhaps if she was still under the airline’s responsibility, there should also be a letter from the local police, a letter from the hospital, including the local government,” Saleh emphasized.

Novita Sari, a Migrant Worker Advocate, recounted that the incident began when Hartini registered as a domestic worker intending to go to the Middle East in May 2022, through an intermediary known as SY.

Shortly afterwards, Hartini was processed and sent to a shelter in Jakarta. After one week in Jakarta, she was then provided with a ticket to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

From the moment BD left for Riyadh, her family in Lombok received no further information.

“Based on the information we received, she had an accident at Riyadh Airport. According to what we heard, she had a head injury and underwent surgery,” Novita explained.

Throughout the surgical and medical treatment processes, the family received no communication whatsoever.

“During this process, there was no information given to the family, neither at the time of the incident nor during her treatment,” Novita stated.

Three months after Hartini’s alleged fall at Riyadh Airport, the family was informed that Hartini would be repatriated due to her illness.

“They only mentioned she was sick, without specifying the nature of her illness,” Novita added.

Upon Hartini’s return on 3 September 2022, the family was shocked and devastated. Budi Hartini, who had departed as a healthy migrant worker, returned in a pitiful condition.

Her hair had been shaved due to surgery, and there were visible stitches on her head from a surgical procedure. She also had scars on her throat, rendering her unable to speak, relying solely on gestures. Hartini’s condition remains far from stable.

Accompanied by her family, Hartini has reported the alleged human trafficking case to the NTB Regional Police in hopes of obtaining justice.

“Our hope is to achieve justice because this has led to permanent disability and to deter other intermediaries,” Novita remarked.

Ni Made Pujewati, the Head of Subdirectorate IV at the West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Regional Police’s Directorate of General Crime Investigation. (Photo: TribunNews.com)

In response to the case, Ni Made Pujewati, the Head of Subdirectorate IV at the NTB Regional Police’s Directorate of General Crime Investigation, stated that they would thoroughly investigate the recruitment process of victims sent to work in Saudi Arabia.

“We will delve into the facts of what the victim actually experienced, starting from the recruitment process, this is a fragment that needs to be explored,” Pujawati said on Monday, September 25, 2023.

The NTB Regional Police’s Human Trafficking Task Force, in collaboration with district police departments, has already uncovered 31 cases in 2023 involving hundreds of Indonesian migrant workers.

Among these cases, Hartini’s condition has been described as the most severe.

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