More than 370 million girls and women alive today, or one in every eight worldwide, experienced rape or sexual assault before the age of 18, the United Nations children's agency said on Wednesday. The number rises to 650 million,

More than 370 million girls and young women have been raped or sexually assaulted worldwide before the age of 18, the UN Children's Fund, UNICEF, said on Thursday. The figures came as the fund published its first global estimate on sexualized violence against children ahead of the International Day of the Girl on Friday.

The report, released ahead of the International Day of the Girl, underscores the profound and lasting impact of sexual violence on survivors, with a particularly high prevalence in adolescent girls.

A new global study conducted over the course of seven years estimates that more than 1 billion people have been subjected to rape, sexual violence or abuse.

The situation worsens for those in fragile settings, such as those with weak institutions or many refugees fleeing violence and insecurity. No fewer than 370 million girls and women have been raped or sexually assaulted worldwide before the age of 18,

A report by UNICEF released on Thursday says more than 79 million women and girls across sub-Saharan Africa have experienced rape or sexual assault during childhood. According to the report, the region ranks among the most dangerous places globally for girls.