The Lancet Study on Sexual Violence Against Children (SVAC) – May 2025

1. In May 2025, A comprehensive global study by The Lancet, led by the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington School of Medicine, has examined the prevalence of sexual violence against children and adolescents across 204 countries from 1990 to 2023.
2. It is a part of the Global Burden of Disease Study, focusing on first exposure by age and sex.

What is Sexual Violence Against Children (SVAC)?

1. Sexual Violence Against Children (SVAC) refers to any sexual act, attempt to obtain a sexual act, or other act directed against a child’s sexuality using coercion, threats, deception, or force — regardless of the relationship to the child.
2. It includes abuse that occurs both in-person and online, and can be committed by adults or peers.
3. According to global legal standards, a child is anyone under 18 years of age (as per the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child).

Key Findings of the Study:

1.  Age of First Sexual Abuse:
   1. Age at First Abuse (Among 13–24-year-old survivors):
      1. Before 18: 67% (females), 72% (males)
      2. Before 16: 42% (females), 48% (males)
      3. Before 12: 8% (females), 14% (males)
   2. Nearly 50% of sexual abuse cases begin at age 15 or younger.

Global Prevalence (Before Age 18):

1. 18.9% of women (≈1 in 5)
2. 14.8% of men (≈1 in 7)
3. No significant change since 1990, indicating systemic failure.

Countries with Highest Female SVAC Prevalence:

Country	Prevalence
Solomon Islands	~43%
Côte d’Ivoire	~32%
Chile	~31%
Costa Rica	~31%
India	~31%
New Zealand	~29%
USA	~28%
UK	~24%

 

Countries with Highest Male SVAC Prevalence:

Country	Prevalence
Côte d’Ivoire	~28%
Bangladesh	~28%
Botswana	~27%
Haiti	~26%
Nigeria	~24%
USA	~16%
UK	~17%

Highest SVAC Prevalence by Region:

1. Women: South Asia – ~27%
2. Men: Sub-Saharan Africa – ~19%

Country-specific Data (Before Age 18):

• India has one of the highest prevalence rates globally for women.

Country	Women (%)	Men (%)
India	31%	13.5%
USA	28%	16%
UK	24%	17%

Underreporting and Societal Challenges:

1. The study acknowledges high underreporting, especially in rural areas, due to:
   1. Stigma
   2. Fear of social ostracism
   3. Weak institutional support
   4. Lack of awareness of legal rights

Social Initiative Highlighted:

1.  Case of Sanjana (Name Changed):
   1. A 15-year-old girl from Sangli, Maharashtra.
   2. Abused by her maternal uncle after her mother’s death.
   3. Her case became the symbol of a grassroots campaign.
2.  Campaign: “Zabardasti Mein Kaisi Mardangi”
   1. Translation: “What kind of masculinity is this if it’s forced?”
   2. Launched by Sampada Grameen Mahila Sanstha (SANGRAM), a women-centered NGO.
   3. Led by Meena Saraswathi Seshu, General Secretary of SANGRAM.
3. Focuses on:
   1. Toxic masculinity
   2. Gendered violence in rural India
   3. Community accountability
   4. Youth sensitization in villages of Maharashtra

Legal & Policy Framework in India: Laws to Address Child Sexual Abuse:

1. POCSO Act, 2012 (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences)
   1. Defines a child as <18 years.
   2. Child-friendly procedures for reporting and trial.
   3. Stringent punishments including life imprisonment.
2. Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 375-376 Defines rape and punishment.
3. Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 Covers neglected or abused children.
4. Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 Includes broader definitions of sexual assault.

Institutions & Schemes:

1. Childline 1098 – Emergency outreach for children in distress.
2. Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS)
3. National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR)

Ethical & Social Implications:

1. Moral Failure of society in protecting its most vulnerable.
2. Promotes patriarchal silence over justice.
3. Reinforces toxic masculinity and gender imbalance.
4. Calls for a paradigm shift in sex education, family awareness, and school sensitization.

Health and Social Consequences:

Survivors are at increased risk of long-term physical, psychological, and social harm, including:

1. Mental Health: Depression, anxiety, PTSD
2. Addictions: Alcohol, drug abuse
3. Diseases: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs), asthma
4. Education & Employment: Lower academic achievement, reduced income potential
5. Social Development: Stigmatization, isolation, vulnerability to further abuse

Policy & Legal Implications:

1. Global Inaction: Minimal change in SVAC rates since 1990 shows global governance failure.
2. Policy Gaps:
   1. Weak enforcement of child protection laws
   2. Inadequate support and rehabilitation systems
   3. Lack of child-friendly legal and reporting procedures
3. Data Gaps:
   1. Inconsistent methodologies across countries
   2. Barriers to reporting due to stigma and fear

Alignment with UN SDGs:

1. SDG Target 16.2: "End abuse, exploitation, trafficking, and all forms of violence against and torture of children."
2. SVAC rates far exceed SDG targets and violate:
   1. CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child)
   2. UNICEF guidelines
   3. International Classification of Violence Against Children framework

Recommendations from the Study:

1. Comprehensive National Frameworks for prevention, response, and rehabilitation.
2. Standardized Data Systems to ensure comparability and evidence-based policymaking.
3. Education & Awareness:
   1. Child rights in school curricula
   2. Sensitization of parents, teachers, police, and judiciary
4. Child-Friendly Legal Processes:
   1. Fast-track courts for POCSO-type cases
   2. Victim compensation and witness protection
5. Cross-sectoral Coordination: Involving health, education, police, and community organizations.

Crimes Against Women and Children Given Precedence Under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 For the 1st time, crimes against women and children have been prioritized and brought under a dedicated chapter (Chapter V) in India’s new criminal code. This structural change is aimed at improving the sensitivity, fairness, and legal protection available to women and children under Indian criminal law. Key Features and Legal Reforms in BNS, 2023:  Structural and Legal Innovations Separate Chapter (Chapter V): A standalone chapter consolidates all crimes against women and children. Priority Status: These offences are given precedence over all other offences — a significant symbolic and procedural shift. Gender Neutrality Introduced: Certain offences have been made gender-neutral, covering all victims and perpetrators regardless of gender. This ensures protection for men, women, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. Strengthened Punishments:  Gang Rape Previous system: Different punishments based on age of female victim (e.g., below 12, below 16). New system: Any gang rape of a woman below 18: Punishable with life imprisonment (remainder of natural life) or death penalty. Brings clarity and severity to the law, eliminating arbitrary age distinctions. Sexual Intercourse Under False Pretenses Now a punishable offence if intercourse is obtained through: False promise of marriage Employment or promotion Concealing identity Recognizes emotional and psychological manipulation as a form of sexual exploitation. Human Trafficking and Child Exploitation: Section 143 – Human Trafficking General punishment: Up to life imprisonment If victim is a child: Minimum: 10 years Maximum: Life imprisonment + fine Beggary now recognized as a form of trafficking exploitation, punishable under law. Section 144(1) – Sexual Exploitation of Trafficked Children Minimum punishment: 5 years Maximum: Life imprisonment Protective Procedural Provisions for Women and Children:  Statement Recording & Investigation Victim’s statement in rape cases: To be recorded via audio-video means for transparency and safety. Preferably recorded by a woman magistrate; in her absence, by a male magistrate in the presence of a woman. Medical practitioners must submit rape victim’s medical report within 7 days to the investigating officer. Summons and Police Attendance Earlier law allowed only a "male adult member" to accept a summons. New provision: Any adult family member (including women) can receive a summons. Special Protection: Women, disabled persons, persons with acute illness, and men below 15 or above 60 years: Cannot be compelled to attend police stations. Can choose to attend voluntarily. Medical Treatment All victims of crimes against women and children are entitled to free first-aid and medical treatment at any hospital. This ensures immediate medical access and care, especially critical in sexual violence and trafficking cases. Significance and Implications:  Progressive Aspects A victim-centered approach emphasizing dignity, protection, and justice. Aligns with global standards on child rights, women's safety, and anti-trafficking laws. Makes critical changes to gender roles in procedure (e.g., allowing women to receive legal summons). Concerns & Challenges Implementation: Effective enforcement at the grassroots level, especially in rural areas, remains a challenge. Sensitivity training: For police, doctors, and magistrates to uphold these progressive standards in real-life situations. Judicial capacity: Fast-track courts needed to ensure timely disposal of cases under these new provisions. International Alignment & SDGs SDG 5: Gender Equality – Especially Target 5.2 (Eliminate all forms of violence against women and girls) SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – Especially Target 16.2 (End abuse, exploitation, and violence against children) UN CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child) CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)

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