Experiences of 1,245 Norwegian-Speaking Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, with a Comparative Analysis of Online CSAE in the Nordic Region
- Protect Children
- 3 hours ago
- 2 min read
REPORT
Our Voice Norwegian Survivors: Experiences of Victims and Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation, with a Comparative Analysis of Online CSAE in the Nordic Region
This new #OurVoice language report presents insights from 1245 Norwegian-speaking victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation in response to the Global Our Voice Survivor Survey. The findings reveal serious gaps in Norway’s prevention and support systems, and highlight the enduring impact of sexual violence on children, as well as the obstacles survivors encounter in seeking justice, recognition, and recovery.
The report also includes a comparative analysis of online child sexual abuse and exploitation across the Nordic region, based on responses from 246 survivors. Specifically, the analysis includes comparative data from Danish (n = 8), Finnish (n = 98), Norwegian (n = 75), and Swedish-speaking (n = 65) victims and survivors of technology-facilitated childhood sexual violence. This analysis illustrates the widespread risks children face in digital spaces and the urgent need for coordinated prevention and protection efforts.
«All children should know they can always talk to an adult, every child should be seen and heard, and feel that they have value.» Quote from a survivor in response to the Norwegian Our Voice Survivor Survey. |
Key Findings:
Nearly two-thirds of Norwegian-speaking survivors experienced childhood sexual violence for the first time before the age of 10.
Almost nine in ten survivors experienced sexual violence on multiple occasions, including inappropriate touching, penetration, and forced genital exposure.
Nearly two out of five survivors were subjected to sexual violence as a child by someone living in their same household.
More than half of survivors who disclosed childhood sexual violence did so more than ten years after, with nearly one in four disclosing over 20 years later.
Almost all survivors have endured negative long-term consequences because of the childhood sexual violence.
Survivors from Denmark, Finland, Norway, and Sweden reported widespread online child sexual abuse and exploitation, including grooming, coercion, and exposure to sexual content.
The findings demonstrate that Norway must act decisively to prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation, both offline and online, and ensure survivors receive the support they need. To effectively protect children and address the long-term negative consequences of sexual violence against children, it is crucial to develop stronger protections, better access to justice, and a survivor-centered approach to prevention and response.
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.
