Sexual violence

The World Health Organization estimates that 150,000,000 girls and 73,000,000 boys have been raped or suffered other forms of sexual violence. But there are no reliable estimates of how much of this abuse takes place in schools.

However, we do know that sexual violence is usually carried out by people known to the child and that school-based sexual abuse is a major problem in many countries.

For example, research in Uganda found that 8% of 16 and 17 year-olds had had sex with their teachers.

Girls are at greater risk of sexual violence at school, sometimes directed at them by both male teachers and students. Studies in Africa and Latin America have found that some girls are coerced into sexual acts by teachers who threaten them with poor grades if they do not cooperate.

Tolerating abuse

The causes of sexual violence vary greatly but teachers' behaviour and traditional gender stereotypes are key factors. By not responding seriously to complaints of sexual abuse, teachers and school authorities convey the message that it will be tolerated.

In addition, in many countries perpetrators are not held to account for their crimes.

Hidden crimes

In societies where women have a lower status, girls are more likely to suffer sexual violence at school. In Latin America, South Asia and Islamic South East Asia, sexual violence against girls tends to remain hidden because of the importance attached to girls' sexual purity.

In some African countries, the folk belief that AIDS can be cured by having sex with a virgin has led to the abuse of students with disabilities who are seen as easy targets.

Victims of sexual violence suffer physical and psychological trauma and are at risk of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV. Young girls' health suffers seriously, including from the consequences of unwanted pregnancy such as death, unsafe abortions. They may become the victims of social stigma or be forced to leave school.