Daniela Ligiero

Abstract Sexual violence against children (SVAC) is a critical global public health issue. Nonetheless, the availability of robust and comparable global and regional prevalence estimates remains limited. To address this gap, we aimed to provide current and refined estimates of SVAC to enhance understanding of its magnitude worldwide.

Globalisation is over. Finished. So political leaders and opinion writers appear to be suggesting. The global political and economic order, built on growing interconnection through advancements in transport and technology over the last fifty years now seems to be crumbling, at speed. Despite the current chaos of stock markets and political tit-for-tat tariff pronouncements, you don’t have to think hard to see that this isn’t — and cannot — be true.

Human instinct tells us to run from awkward conversations. To shut out what is painful. To avoid questions we do not have the answers to. We are conditioned to believe that certain topics have no place in everyday conversation. All this breeds taboo, stigma and shame. As a survivor of childhood sexual violence, today I am asking you to challenge that instinct and talk about something that might make you feel uncomfortable, angry, sad or embarrassed.