This report highlights the prevalence of different forms of violence against children. It is based on global figures and data from 190 countries. It analyses data compiled from different internationally comparable sources. The analysis examines various forms of interpersonal violence, defined as violent acts inflicted on children by another individual or a small group. It includes those mainly committed by caregivers and other family members, authority figures, peers and strangers, both within and outside the home. The focus of this report is low- and middle- income countries.
The first section of this report identifies three primary types of violence experienced by children: physical, emotional and sexual violence. The second section details specific forms of these types of violence. The report concludes with an examination of societal attitudes towards these forms of violence to gain a better understanding of cultural beliefs that possibly perpetuate certain forms of violence. The report also includes a special panel on violence against children in institutional care.