UNICEF Partnership

Partnering with UNICEF to Reduce Child Sexual Abuse in the Caribbean

While most child sexual abuse is hidden—the numbers do not reflect the actual magnitude of the problem—what we know affects an estimated 150 million girls and 73 million boys worldwide under 18 years old who have experienced forced sexual violence (WHO; 2002). In the Caribbean, 47.6% of girls and 31.9% of boys have reported that their first intercourse was forced or coerced by family members or family acquaintances (WHO; 2000). Child sexual abuse occurs in all socio-economic, religious and ethnic groups and affects children of all ages, including infants. Most often, 70-80% of victims are girls; in 50% of the cases, the perpetrator lives with the victim; and in 75% of the cases he/she has a direct relationship with the victim (ECLAC; UNICEF; 2001).

As a response to the seriousness of the issue and the escalation in cases of sexual abuse, the UNICEF regional and country offices across the Caribbean have identified the urgent need to prioritise the issue of sexual abuse. The partnership with Crime Stoppers allows persons with information of suspected cases of child abuse to report what they know and remain completely anonymous in doing so.

For more information on this project please contact Executive Director, Devrol Dupigny at devrold@csiworld.org.