Child Sexual Abuse and
Violence in African Countries

The prevalence of Violent Discipline: Approximately 86.5% of children aged 1 to 14 years in Sierra Leone experience some form of violent discipline within their households. Click the image to read more from UNICEF. Click the image to learn more

• Overview: Liberia has faced considerable challenges related to child sexual violence, particularly during and after the civil war. Child soldiers and young girls face high risks of sexual exploitation.

• Key Statistics: Data shows that over 40% of Liberian children are involved in child labor, and sexual violence rates are disturbingly high. Click the image to learn more

• Overview: South Africa continues to have one of the highest rates of child rape in the world. The country's 24-hour helpline reports an alarming number of cases of physical and sexual abuse, especially against children under 10 years old.

• Key Statistics: A 2016 study found that more than 67,000 cases of child sexual abuse were reported in South Africa in a single year. Click the image to learn more

• Overview: Child abuse in Rwanda is an emerging concern, with various studies showing high rates of sexual abuse and exploitation, particularly in post-genocide areas.

• Key Statistics: Rwanda’s National Commission for Children reported that 15% of girls aged 15–19 have experienced sexual violence. Click the image to learn more

Overview: In Ghana, child sexual abuse remains a serious concern, especially in urban and rural areas. Children in orphanages, on the streets, and in domestic settings are often at heightened risk.

• Key Statistics: Ghana's Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection reports significant levels of physical and sexual abuse of children across the country. Click the image to learn more

• Overview: Nigeria faces a significant child sexual abuse crisis, with high rates of child labor, trafficking, and early marriage. Conflict areas like northeastern Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to child exploitation.

• Key Statistics: According to UNICEF, nearly 1 in 4 Nigerian girls will experience some form of sexual abuse before turning 18. Click the image to learn more

• Overview: Child abuse is common in Tanzania, particularly among girls. Sexual violence, child labor, and female genital mutilation (FGM) continue to affect children in rural and urban areas.

• Key Statistics: Data from UNICEF shows that approximately 8% of Tanzanian girls have experienced sexual violence before the age of 18. Click the image to learn more

• Overview: In Kenya, child sexual abuse and early marriages are rampant, especially in marginalized communities.

• Key Statistics: According to reports from the National Council for Children’s Services, one in five girls in Kenya experiences sexual violence before the age of 18.

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