Advocacy for girls victims of Sexual Violence: A Call to Action for Stronger International Protection
On the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated on October 11, the International Observatory on Violence Against Women joins its global network of local governments committed to ending violence against women and girls.
State of Play: Sexual Violence Against Girls Around the World
Sexual violence against girls is a widespread reality affecting millions of children globally. According to recent UNICEF data, over 370 million girls and women currently alive—that is, 1 in 8 women—have been raped or sexually assaulted before turning 18. These attacks have devastating consequences on their physical and mental health, and their futures. In 2023, the birth rate among girls aged 10 to 14 was estimated at 1.5 per 1,000 globally.
In some countries, young rape victims have no legal or medical access to abortion, even in extreme cases. Abortion is completely banned in about 24 countries, including in cases of rape. In 41 other countries, it is only permitted to save the life of the mother, meaning that rape, incest, or severe fetal malformation are not legally valid reasons. These restrictions reflect deeply conservative laws that continue to undermine reproductive rights. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), in 2019 21 million girls aged 15 to 19 became pregnant each year, with around 50% of these pregnancies being unintended, leading to about 12 million births.
These girls—many of them minors—face brutal realities: being forced to give birth while their bodies are still developing, and enduring the psychological trauma of the violence. Often, these pregnancies result from rape, forced marriage, or incest, in contexts of armed conflict, social instability, or family pressure.
The Serious Consequences of Forced Pregnancy for Girls
The impact of a forced pregnancy on a minor goes far beyond childbirth. Pregnancy and childbirth complications are the leading cause of death among girls aged 15–19 worldwide.
Psychologically, pregnancies resulting from rape or incest impose double punishment: trauma from the assault, and the burden of carrying and raising the aggressor’s child.
In countries where abortion is heavily restricted, these girls are abandoned by legal systems. In sub-Saharan Africa, for instance, abortion is mostly prohibited, forcing girls to continue unwanted pregnancies. According to the WHO, 45% of abortions worldwide are unsafe, leading to serious medical complications or death.
An International Call: Guaranteeing Abortion Rights for Victims of Sexual Violence
The International Observatory calls on the international community to take concrete steps to protect girls who are victims of rape and incest, by guaranteeing access to legal abortion in national and international frameworks.
The Commission on the Status of Women (CSW69), taking place in New York from March 10 to 21, 2025, is a key opportunity to raise awareness among governments and international institutions about the urgent need for a binding global legal framework to protect underage victims of sexual violence.
It is unthinkable that today, girls are still being forced to give birth—the direct result of an act of violence. Through this advocacy, we are fighting to ensure that every girl who is a victim of rape or incest has access to legal abortion, protecting her dignity, future, and right to safety.
Observatory on Violence against Women of Seine Saint Denis (Seine-Saint-Denis)
CGLU (Barcelone)
Palestine
Comores
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