Mapping the global prevalence and socioecological drivers of child sexual abuse: a systematic review and synthesis

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not applicable for prevalence study

• Effect Size: Contact CSA: females 14.9% median (2.2%-40.2%), males 6.0% median (0.6%-21.2%); Non-contact CSA: 57.0% median (31.1%-80.0%)

• Primary Outcome: Lifetime prevalence of child sexual abuse globally

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Highest risk populations: Indigenous children 39.2%, orphans 37.9%, incarcerated youth 31.1%

• Confidence Interval: Not reported in abstract

Clinical Application

Findings support need for systematic screening protocols and multi-level prevention strategies in clinical practice Highly relevant to Australian practice given Indigenous population vulnerability highlighted; supports RACGP guidelines on child protection and mandatory reporting requirements All healthcare providers working with children, particularly in primary care, emergency medicine, paediatrics, and mental health services

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Child sexual abuse (CSA) is a widespread global health concern with lasting impacts. CSA is multifactorial and layered, and interventions to tackle CSA require an analysis of the key contributing factors. The main objective of this study was to explore global prevalence estimates of CSA and key contributing factors. METHODS: We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science for studies reporting lifetime prevalence of contact (eg, inappropriate touching or sexual acts) and non-contact (eg, exposure to sexual content or ill-intended conversations) CSA. Of 5493 articles screened, 332 met inclusion criteria. Prevalence data were stratified by population, region and abuse type. Risk factors were synthesised thematically using a socioecological framework. RESULTS: Median prevalence of reported non-contact CSA was 57.0% (range: 31.1%-80.0%). Contact CSA prevalence was higher among females (median: 14.9%, range: 2.2%-40.2%) than males (median: 6.0%, range: 0.6%-21.2%). Regional variations were notable, with sub-Saharan Africa reporting the highest contact CSA prevalence (median: 25.5%) and Latin America and the Caribbean the lowest (median: 8.5%). Vulnerable groups, including Indigenous children (median: 39.2%), orphans (37.9%) and the incarcerated (31.1%), faced higher risk. Risk factors spanned individual (shame, stigma), familial (poor supervision, dysfunction), institutional (lack of safeguards) and societal (weak legal frameworks, normalisation of abuse) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of CSA was globally high, with 14 in 100 females reporting having experienced CSA. Multilevel interventions, particularly strengthening family supervision and institutional safeguarding, legal accountability and community awareness, are critical for the prevention of CSA.

References

1. 1.Adhikari, B., Dahal, A., Mishra, A., Mshamu, S., Shrestha, N., Seidlein, L. V., & Vallières, F. (2026). Mapping the global prevalence and socioecological drivers of child sexual abuse: a systematic review and synthesis. BMJ Paediatrics Open, 11(1), e004423. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjpo-2025-004423