Avalanche' of child abuse and sexual exploitation taking place behind closed doors

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"An avalanche of child abuse and sexual exploitation is taking place behind closed doors, a fresh study has found. A wide-ranging analysis of population-based surveys suggested 7 per cent of children across Western Europe are raped or sexually assaulted before they turn 18. Almost 20 per cent reported experiencing online solicitation or grooming before they turned 18 defined as unwanted or pressured sexual interactions online. This suggests nearly 15 million children affected in the region are affected."

A wide-ranging analysis of population-based surveys estimates 7 per cent of children in Western Europe are raped or sexually assaulted before they turn 18. The prevalence is higher among females (9.7 per cent) than males (3.9 per cent). Almost 20 per cent of children reported online solicitation or grooming, defined as unwanted or pressured sexual interactions online. The analysis drew on multiple studies and the figures were included in the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute’s annual findings at the University of Edinburgh. The numbers imply nearly 15 million children in the region are affected, revealing widespread hidden exploitation.

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