Global data about sexual violence shows a steady rise in convictions and a growing recognition of this crime within justice systems. In 2021, authorities reported 3,196 adult convictions and 439 for minors, reflecting increases of 34.6 percent for adults and 12.6 percent for minors from the previous year. In total, 3,635 people faced 4,566 offenses linked to sexual freedom and compensation. These figures come from the Convict Statistics released by the National Statistics Institute, known as INE, reinforcing a trend toward more final sentences for sexual violence. Notably, the year 2020 did not see an uptick in final sentences due to mobility restrictions during the pandemic, while 2019 had different dynamics. Adults showed an 18 percent rise in convictions from 2019, and the number of minors convicted rose by 5.5 percent. These shifts highlight how reporting and prosecution trajectories can evolve with social and policy changes over time. INE notes that the pool of crimes prosecuted by conviction also grew, with 3,960 offenses attributed to adults and 606 to minors. The adult total marked a 35.56 percent increase from 2020 and a 16.4 percent rise from 2019, while the minor total rose by 27.7 percent compared with 2019 and 11 percent compared with 2020. These trends echo a broader pattern of heightened police-recorded sexual crime reports in recent quarters, suggesting that covert violence is increasingly moving into the public sphere and the justice system. In a 2019 macro survey on violence against women, it was noted that fewer than 10 percent of rapes were reported, illustrating the ongoing gap between incidents and formal reporting and the resulting implications for policy and support services. Data aggregation and public accountability mechanisms are central to understanding how such crimes are perceived and addressed in society, and they underscore the need for effective prevention, reporting, and survivor support.
Attacks against minors under the age of 16
INE statistics indicate that the vast majority of sex offenders are men. The data show that 97.9 percent of convictions involved adult males, compared with 96.8 percent in cases involving minors. The INE’s typology of sexual crimes reveals a pattern of offenses impacting both adults and children. Among adults, 46 crimes were documented, including 1,556 cases of sexual abuse, 768 cases of harassment and sexual assault against minors, 592 cases of prostitution and corruption involving minors, 430 cases of exhibitionism and sexual provocation, and 491 cases of assault labeled as violations. Additionally, 79 crimes related to human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation were recorded. In cases involving children, convicted offenses included 291 for assault and abuse of minors, 176 for sexual abuse, 66 for prostitution and corruption against minors, and 20 for exhibitionism and sexual provocation. Of the 55 convicted assaults, three were classified as rape.
These statistics shed light on the scale of offenses and the characteristics of offenders, emphasizing a gender pattern that is consistent across many jurisdictions. They also point to the kinds of crimes most frequently prosecuted and the areas where law enforcement and judicial resources are heavily concentrated. The data underscore the importance of robust prevention programs, effective reporting channels, and comprehensive support services for victims, as well as ongoing evaluation of how laws are applied and how conviction rates relate to the true prevalence of sexual violence.
ask for help
There are confidential resources available for victims of all forms of violence against women. Free helplines provide support across multiple languages, and information is available via email as well. Counseling and psychosocial care are offered through established channels, including youth services. In addition, minors can reach out to child protection services. All resources against gender-based violence are designed to offer immediate, nonjudgmental assistance and ongoing support to those in need, ensuring accessibility and safety for every person seeking help.