Insights from 608 Latvian-speaking Victims and Survivors of Childhood Sexual Violence
- Protect Children
- 10 hours ago
- 2 min read
PAPER
Our Voice Latvian Survivors: Experiences of Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation
This #OurVoice paper presents insights from 608 Latvian-speaking victims and survivors of childhood sexual violence in response to the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey, highlighting the urgent need for stronger prevention, support and healing systems that effectively respond to the needs of victims and survivors and prevent future harm.
The paper is available in English and Latvian. The Latvian data has been gathered in collaboration with Centrs Dardedze.
Key Findings
67% of Latvian survivors were under the age of 10 when they first experienced sexual violence, with 38% being between 3 and 6 years old.
Three in four respondents (75%) reported they were subjected to childhood sexual violence on more than one occasion.
86% of survivors knew the perpetrator prior to the abuse, with 41% reporting the perpetrator lived in the same household.
One in three Latvian survivors (30%) have never disclosed the abuse, and among those who did, 59% waited more than 11 years before doing so.
A large majority (83%) reported long-term negative consequences as a result of the childhood sexual violence, most commonly anxiety or panic attacks (46%), sexual dysfunction (45%), difficulties in personal relationships (45%), and depression (40%).
These findings reveal critical gaps in preventing and addressing child sexual abuse and exploitation. Policymakers in Latvia must prioritise comprehensive reforms that align with the recommendations of the Council of Europe’s Resolution 2533 to ensure children are truly protected, survivors receive the understanding and support they deserve, and systemic failures that enable child sexual abuse and exploitation are eradicated.
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.
