Hey gais, we need to talk. Sexual violence against children is a massive issue affecting many around the world, and right here in Malaysia. According to UNICEF, over 370 million girls and women – or 1 in 8 – faced rape or sexual assault before they even turned 18. These shocking estimates come out just in time for International Day of the Girl, reminding us to focus on this important topic.
When we factor in online sexual abuse and verbal harassment, that number skyrockets to 650 million girls and women!! It’s a huge problem that we can’t just ignore. We gotta face it. It affects our friends, family, and even ourselves. This issue is serious, and it’s time for us to stand up and say enough is enough.
READ >> The UNICEF Data brief
1. Girls at greater risk
The global stats show that girls face this violence mostly during their teenage years. The worst age range is between 14 and 17. This is the time when girls should be exploring life, not living in fear. It’s seriously heartbreaking to think that our sisters and friends could be in such danger.
In Malaysia, the Royal Malaysia Police recorded 16,447 cases of rape, physical sexual assault on a child, and incest between 2018 and November 2023. Shockingly, 9 in 10 of these victims were girls. This shows us that even here at home, our girls are at great risk, and we need to take action.
But here’s the thing: boys are affected too. Around 1 in 7 boys and men globally also experienced sexual violence during childhood. Yet, their stories often go unheard. We need to change that narrative and make sure everyone feels safe to share their experiences.
2. The impact lasts a lifetime
The trauma from sexual violence against children doesn’t just disappear. It follows survivors into adulthood. Many face mental health issues, like anxiety and depression. They might struggle to form healthy relationships later on. Plus, some victims keep their experiences a secret for years. This makes healing even harder.
We need to create a space where everyone feels safe to talk about what they’ve been through. If we don’t speak up, how can we ever heal? It’s so important that survivors get the support they need, whether it’s from family, friends, or mental health professionals.
3. What can we do about it?
So, what’s our move, gais? First off, we gotta stop letting harmful social and cultural norms give sexual violence a free pass. Things like “boys will be boys” or thinking victims should stay silent to avoid shame — these outdated beliefs just excuse and normalize bad behavior. That’s gotta stop. We need to be loud about the fact that sexual violence against children is never okay—not here in Malaysia, not anywhere.
Education is key, lah! Children should know how to recognize abuse, whether it’s at home in school, in our communities, or online. This means making sure kids have reliable information they can understand and act on. The more we talk about it, the more awareness we create.
4. Supporting survivors is essential
When someone has the courage to come forward and speak out, we must support them. Access to mental health services, and counseling is vital. Survivors deserve justice and the chance to heal.
READ >> My Friend’s Recovery: Supporting a Survivor of Child Sexual Abuse
We also have to give credit where it’s due: the Malaysian government took a big step in 2017 with the Sexual Offences Against Children Act, and again in 2024 by amending the Evidence of Child Witness Act. But laws mean nothing without action. Without proper implementation, children remain vulnerable. Enforcement is just the start. Our government also needs to invest in social welfare systems and the justice sector. Otherwise, these laws won’t truly protect children from all forms of sexual violence.
Data is another weapon in this fight. We need robust data collection in Malaysia to know the real scale of sexual violence against children, including boys. The more we know, the better we can target our actions. Accurate stats aren’t just numbers — they’re tools for justice.
5. Be the change we want to see
Honestly, we can’t wait for someone else to fix this. Change starts with us, gais! We’re the generation that can stop harmful norms, speak out, and demand action. Support survivors. Push for stronger enforcement of our laws and real accountability. Even if it feels like a small step, every action counts. We can be the ones to end the silence and make sure no child faces this alone.
Let’s be the voice that says ‘this stops NOW!’ Together, we can make sure no child ever has to go through this again. Ready to step up? Jom, let’s do this!
The inaugural Global Ministerial Conference on Ending Violence Against Children is happening on November 7-8, 2024, in Bogotá, Colombia. This big event is co-led by Colombia and Sweden, with support from WHO, UNICEF, and the SRSG-VAC. It’s all about getting our leaders to step up and make solid commitments to keep children safe from violence.
