• END SEXUAL VIOLENCE

  • Globally, an estimated 736 million women—almost one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence.

  • 15 million girls worldwide, aged 15–19 years, have experienced forced sex.

  • More than 640 million women and girls aged 15 and older have been subjected to intimate partner violence (26 per cent of women and girls aged 15 and older).

What is Sexual Violence?

Sexual violence is “any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act directed against a person’s sexuality using coercion, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, in any setting”.

Sexual violence encompass acts ranging from verbal harassment to forced penetration, as well as other forms of compulsion, ranging from social pressure and intimidation to physical force. Rape, defined as the physically forced or otherwise coerced penetration of the vulva or anus with a penis, other bodily part, or object, is included, as are attempted rape, unwanted sexual touching, and other non-contact forms.

Sexual violence includes, but is not limited to:

  • rape within marriage or dating relationships;

  • rape by strangers or acquaintances;

  • unwanted sexual advances or sexual harassment (at school, work etc.);

  • systematic rape, sexual slavery and other forms of violence, which are particularly common in armed conflicts (e.g. forced impregnation);

  • sexual abuse of mentally or physically disabled people;

  • rape and sexual abuse of children; and

  • ‘customary’ forms of sexual violence, such as forced marriage or cohabitation;

  • and wife inheritance .

How Does Sexual Violence affect Girls’ Human Rights?

  • RIGHT TO LIFE

    In extreme cases, sexual violence can lead to death, directly infringing on the right to life.

  • RIGHT TO SECURITY

    Sexual violence creates an environment of fear, insecurity, and physical danger for victims.

  • RIGHT TO PRIVACY

    Sexual violence is a grave invasion of an individual's privacy and bodily autonomy.

  • RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM SLAVERY

    Sexual exploitation, such as sex trafficking, constitutes a form of modern slavery.

  • RIGHT TO HEALTH

    Sexual violence can result in severe physical injuries and profound mental health consequences, impacting this right significantly.

  • RIGHT TO EQUALITY & NON-DISCRIMINATION

    Sexual violence is often rooted in gender-based discrimination and disproportionately affects women and marginalized groups.

  • RIGHT TO FREEDOM FROM TORTURE, CRUEL, INHUMAN OR DEGRADING TREATMENT

    Sexual violence often causes profound physical and psychological harm, amounting to torture or cruel treatment.

  • RIGHT TO REPRODUCTIVE RIGHTS

    Sexual violence may interfere with an individual's reproductive choices, such as the right to choose whether to have children or access to contraception and safe abortion.

The International Legal Framework

  • Human rights instruments

    International law recognizes sexual violence as a human rights violation, and it is addressed through various conventions, treaties, and agreements. International law requires states to take measures to prevent, investigate, prosecute, and provide remedies for sexual violence. It also recognizes the rights of survivors to access comprehensive support and services, including medical, legal, and psychosocial support.

  • The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

    The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) recognizes the right to freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, which includes sexual violence.

  • The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)

    The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) recognizes the right to life, liberty, and security of the person, and prohibits torture, cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, including sexual violence.

  • The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW)

    The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) prohibits gender-based violence, which includes sexual violence.

  • Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

    The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include a target (5.2) to eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls, including sexual violence.

How Can Girls Advocate to End Sexual Violence?

  • Raising awareness: Girls can use social media, blogs, and other channels to share information about sexual violence, its impact on individuals, and the importance of creating safe environments.

  • Girls can empower themselves and others by learning about their rights, the dynamics of sexual violence, and available resources for victims.

  • Community involvement: Girls can join or form local groups and organisations that address sexual violence, such as support groups, youth clubs, or advocacy networks.

  • Girls can organize workshops, webinars, and events to raise awareness of sexual violence, promote healthy relationships, and support survivors.

  • Engaging with policymakers, girls can advocate for stronger laws and policies to prevent and address sexual violence.

  • Girls can collaborate with various stakeholders, such as NGOs, women's rights organizations, and community leaders, to develop a coordinated response to sexual violence. These partnerships can help maximize the impact of their advocacy efforts and create lasting change.

  • Girls can support survivors of sexual violence by listening to their stories, validating their experiences, and connecting them with appropriate resources.