As the world continues to reckon with the fifth anniversary of COVID-19 being declared a global pandemic, communities and industries are still processing its impact. In addition to the millions of lives lost, we’ve seen widespread economic downturn, a global decline in international travel, and reduced access to healthcare and other essential services.
But there is one area that has seen a startling uptick: the incidence of child sexual abuse within the home. Although there’s been a slight decline since the onset of the pandemic in 2020, these figures are still excessively high, especially when considering the likelihood of underreporting.
As a development worker focused on preventing sexual violence against adolescent girls, I have studied the data closely and the message is clear: we must take steps to address prevention, protection, and support to halt these trends before the inevitable next pandemic. The safety of our children and families is at stake.
An estimated one in five children worldwide will experience sexual violence. The pandemic worsened the problem, but root causes of sexual violence, including poverty remains. Most perpetrators are individuals known and trusted by the child or their family, with parents or legal guardians being responsible for 76% of child abuse cases . This stark reality challenges the assumption that a child’s home is always a haven.
The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic significantly exacerbated child sexual abuse. With the global slowdown of businesses, airports, schools, and people confined to their homes to curb the spread of the virus, many children lost their safe spaces, such as schools, and access to support systems like friends, teachers and social workers, leaving them vulnerable to sexual abuse. INTERPOL’s assessment and the Centre for Innovation in Child Maltreatment Policy’s brief all suggest that the rapid advancement of technology and increased access to the internet globally, has created new risks for children.
Globally, over 40% of children aged 12-17 have access to the internet, exposing them to online predators and crimes such as child pornography, online luring for abduction, and other dangers resulting from inadequate monitoring and lack of restrictions on their internet use.
A study by Sserwanja (2020) found that the COVID-19 lockdown measures in Uganda significantly increased the incidence of child abuse, particularly sexual and physical abuse. With schools and community support systems closed, many children were confined at home, making them more vulnerable to abuse by family members or trusted individuals. The closure of essential services, including healthcare and legal support, also hindered the ability of victims to report abuse or seek help.
Additionally, the economic hardships faced by families led to an increase in child labour, further exposing children to exploitation and neglect. This research highlights the urgent need for strengthened child protection mechanisms during crises like pandemics to mitigate the risk of abuse.
To prevent these problems from recurring, we must strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement, ensuring accountability for perpetrators and justice for survivors. We must educate communities about the impacts of sexual violence against children and adolescents, and work hand in hand with cultural leaders to stop practices that deprive victims from reporting. Progress is possible.
For example, the Adolescent Girls Power Program (AGPP), where I serve as a regional coordinator and which is supported by Children’s Rights and Violence Prevention Fund (CRVPF), has worked with community organizations to establish safe spaces for adolescent girls. In these spaces, girls connect with each other and are equipped with life and income-generating skills by mentors, many of whom are their peers. This approach empowers them to build their agency and resilience.
Programs like AGPP are not only essential during ordinary times, but they are also critical in times of crisis. During lockdowns, when movement is restricted and traditional protection structures like schools are inaccessible, community-based safe spaces and mentorship networks can continue to function within neighborhoods, providing girls with trusted support systems, practical knowledge, and channels to report abuse.
Before the next pandemic, we must scale these efforts and ensure that every child has access to the protection and resources they need. We must work together to dismantle the systems that enable abuse and create environments where every child can grow up free from fear, with access to the support and opportunities they deserve. The journey of healing and justice is long, but with continued advocacy, awareness, and action, we can build a safer, more just world for every child.