Our Voice: Insights from 734 Latvian-Speaking Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
REPORT
Our Voice Latvian Survivors: Experiences of Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
This new #OurVoice language report presents insights from 734 Latvian-speaking victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation in response to the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey, highlighting the urgent need to support efforts to strengthen prevention, child protection, access to support and opportunities for justice and healing.
This report is available both in English and Latvian:
"The will to live is the strongest drive, and it helps us get through everything that hurts. What does not break us makes us stronger. These people are very strong." Quote from a survivor in response to the Latvian Our Voice Survivor Survey. |
Key findings:
Nearly 4 in 10 Latvian-speaking survivors first experienced sexual violence between the ages of 3 and 6.
Latvian-speaking survivors often experienced sexual violence on multiple occasions and in different forms.
Most Latvian-speaking survivors were sexually abused by someone they knew.
3 in 10 Latvian-speaking survivors never disclosed. Of those who did, a third waited more than two decades.
More than 8 in 10 Latvian-speaking survivors experienced long-term consequences of sexual violence.
The findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive, survivor-centred prevention and support systems in Latvia. The 2026 amendments extending the statute of limitations for the most serious sexual crimes against children are an important and necessary step, recognising that survivors may only disclose their experiences many years later.
In line with the Council of Europe’s Resolution 2533 and its recommendations, policymakers should strengthen prevention, ensure access to long-term support and healing, and create conditions in which victims and survivors can safely disclose their experiences and receive recognition and justice.
About the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey
The Global Our Voice Survivor Survey is directed at individuals over the age of 18 who have been subjected to sexual violence in childhood. The primary aim of the global Our Voice survivor survey is to raise the voice and wisdom of those who have been subjected to sexual violence in their childhood. The valuable data and information we are collecting through this survey will be used to strengthen child protection measures and victims' rights.
This survey is conducted by Protect Children with support from the Justice Initiative.
