Global Sexual Violence

Abstract

This chapter examines how sexual violence is defined, how it exists on a global scale and why it is a significant global health concern. It examines the various forms that sexual violence takes such as sexual harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault and human trafficking. There is also an exploration and discussion of specific regions, countries and case studies where there are higher and lower rates of sexual violence and potential risk factors that may affect those rates. Following this is a discussion of the actions or lack of actions that have been taken globally to address sexual violence concerns and how the face of this issue has changed over time and future directions it may go. Adapted excerpts from interviews and individuals the author has encountered in France, India, Syria, Mali, Ghana, Tanzania and the United States from survivors of sexual violence are included to provide a better understanding of the lived experience of survivors.