Sexual violence is happening everywhere, regardless of a country’s economic success
'Out of the Shadows Index' measures how 60 countries are addressing sexual abuse and exploitation of children
'Out of the Shadows Index' measures how 60 countries are addressing sexual abuse and exploitation of children
'Out of the Shadows Index' measures how 60 countries are addressing sexual abuse and exploitation of children
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Press Release, Economist Intelligence Unit, 22 May 2019 | ‘Out of the Shadows Index’ highlights need for increased government and business response to sexual violence against children. The Economist Intelligence Unit evaluates 60 countries’ policies and practices.
Combatting sexual violence against children sexual requires a stronger and more targeted response from governments and businesses around the world, according to The Economist Intelligence Unit’s Out of the Shadows Index. Developed with support from the World Childhood Foundation and Oak Foundation and with additional support from the Carlson Family Foundation, the Out of the Shadows Index measures how 60 countries at the national level are addressing sexual abuse and exploitation of children. The index, which focuses on policies, practices and standards, reveals that governments, the private sector and civil society are not doing nearly enough to protect children from sexual violence and to achieve Target 16.2 of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, which calls for ending all forms of violence against children by 2030.
The index covers a comprehensive range of critical issues, including education and awarenessbuilding, reproductive health, gender norms, victim support, law enforcement and child sexual abuse online. Index indicators also focus on the engagement of businesses in the technology and travel/tourism sectors in fighting child sexual abuse and exploitation. The countries in the index cover 85% of the global population under 19 years of age.
“The index, which focuses on policies, practices and standards, reveals that governments, the private sector and civil society are not doing nearly enough to protect children from sexual violence.”
Key findings from the Out of the Shadows study:
Sexual violence against children is a universal threat – no boy or girl is immune. The emotional and health consequences linger, and the socioeconomic impacts can be devastating.
What can countries and companies do? Barriers and pathways to progress in fighting sexual violence against children are discussed in detail in the index report and data model, which are available online at outoftheshadows.eiu.com.