REPORT
Global Our Voice Survivor Survey: Experiences of Adult Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Across 29 Languages
New report presenting invaluable findings from 22,285 victims and survivors from all over the world who have shared their experiences through the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey.
This report aims to amplify the voices and wisdom of victims and survivors of sexual violence in childhood, and raise awareness about the profound and long-lasting impacts of sexual violence against children. It is crucial that the voices of those who have been subjected to child sexual abuse and exploitation are not just acknowledged but also play a leading role in driving change. Their insightful perspectives and experiences can inform prevention, support, and healing initiatives, helping policymakers to create more responsive and effective systems.
This report has been researched and written by Eva Díaz Bethencourt, Tegan Insoll, Anna Ovaska, Katariina Leivo, Valeriia Soloveva, and Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen.
Executive Summary
The Global Our Voice Survivor Survey, conducted by Protect Children with support from the Justice Initiative, has gathered responses from 22,285 adult survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation across 29 languages. The survey results highlight the profound and lasting impacts of sexual violence against children, with 84% of survivors reporting long-term consequences, including mental health issues and difficulty forming relationships. Many survivors face significant barriers to disclosure, with 67% speaking out, but often years or decades after the abuse. Even after disclosing the abuse, 69% of survivors did not receive support, and 89% did not see a police investigation. The findings stress the urgent need for improved support systems, prevention efforts, and stronger legal frameworks to better respond to the needs of survivors and prevent abuse.
About the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey
The Global Our Voice Survivor Survey is directed at individuals over the age of 18 who have been subjected to sexual violence in childhood.
This survey is conducted by Protect Children with support from the Justice Initiative.
Our Message to Victims and Survivors To anyone who has experienced or been affected by child sexual abuse or exploitation: We would like to send a message to every victim and survivor of sexual violence in childhood who reads this report. We want you to know how deeply sorry we are for what happened to you, and we believe that your voice truly matters. Whether or not you have felt able to disclose your experiences, please know that your journey, your strength, and your worth are equal. You are no less courageous, no less deserving of understanding, and no less worthy of support. We wish to extend this message to families and partners of victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence, who may be deeply affected and provide essential support in their loved one’s journey of healing and recovery. We acknowledge that trauma of sexual abuse can create ripple effects, and there is a need for support and healing within the broader family circles and communities. At Protect Children, we are unwavering in our commitment and dedication to preventing sexual violence against children. We stand beside victims, survivors, and families impacted by childhood sexual abuse and exploitation. Your stories bring us closer to understanding how best to prevent this violence, support those affected, and foster healing. Every child deserves a life free from violence – a life where they can grow and flourish in safety and joy. While we cannot undo the harm that has been done, we are dedicated to ensuring no child should suffer in silence or isolation. For those who have found their voice and for those who carry their experiences in silence, we are here to listen, to learn, and to amplify what you need the world to know. Thank you for your resilience and strength. We will continue this work, inspired by every victim and survivor, to create a world where all children can live free from fear and experience the safe, joyful childhood they deserve. Warm regards, The Protect Children team |