School is NOT safe!
Building a safe learning environment for children
Every year about 120 million girls under the age of 20 are victims of sexual violence, of which sexual harassment accounts for a large proportion and occurs in many countries (UNICEF 2014). Among the forms of sexual violence against adolescents, sexual harassment (SH) is the most common form of violence and the majority of cases are not reported and handled. Sexual harassment can occur anywhere, at home, at school, and in public places, on public transport and on social networks
The study "Sexual harassment among adolescents in schools" aimed at building awareness, knowledge, attitudes and responses to SH among teenagers, was conducted from August to November 2019. Already 1783 Students from grades 3 to 6 in Hai Phong, Cao Bang, Soc Trang and Ho Chi Minh City participated in the study. Research results have shown up many problems for concern:
- More than 60% of young people interviewed have been sexually harassed at least once
- 25% of teens who have been sexually harassed do not tell anyone they have been harassed
- Average age at which the victims of sexual harassment is 12 years old (minimum 4 years old, maximum 21 years old). Sexual harassment in schools is most prevalent among 11-15 years old.
- Almost 50% of the victims suffer mental health trauma.
The study was co-sponsored by ActionAid and the Taiwan Fund for Children and Families (TFCF).