Sexual violence against children

Abstract

The chapter contextualises sexual violence against children at the individual, relational, local, and global levels. It begins by examining different types of sexual violence across the continuum of sexual violence. It also discusses how children’s experiences of sexual violence vary due to their intersecting identities. Specific forms of sexual violence are described such as those occurring in contexts of betrayals of trust (e.g. intrafamilial and institutional abuse), sexual violence among adolescents, children, and young people who display harmful sexual behaviours, and everyday forms of sexual violence. The Philippines is featured as a case study of lesser-heard perspectives of low-middle-income countries in existing research. It demonstrates how the formation of global consortiums on addressing sexual violence against children urged member governments like the Philippines to make concrete commitments and actions. The enactment of the landmark law raising the age of sexual consent from 12 years old to 16 years old was a milestone achievement for the Philippine government and children. The chapter concludes by arguing for the recognition of children and young people’s views and experiences in policy, practice, and research on sexual violence. Overall, the chapter calls for the meaningful, sustained, and genuine engagement and involvement of children and young people in combatting sexual violence.