Girls In Crisis: Decreasing International Investment to End Sexual Violence and Child Marriage

Every year, more than one billion children – or half of the world’s children – experience some form of violence. Exposure to violence compromises a child’s mental and social development, hampers educational outcomes, and reduces opportunities for gainful employment. It is estimated that physical, sexual, and emotional violence against children costs societies 3% to 8% of global GDP.

Current data indicates that up to 50% of sexual assaults worldwide are committed against girls under the age of 16. Risks are particularly high in conflict-affected countries – globally, at least 72 million children are living among or near armed groups who have a history of perpetrating sexual violence against children.