Children made vulnerable by HIV/AIDS are frequently exposed to abuse; exploitation; violence (including
gender-based violence (GBV); and family separation as a result of the epidemic’s effects. These
exposures can further increase risks through adult life. For example, a history of “adverse childhood
experiences,” including abuse, increases risk factors associated with HIV, including injection drug use,
promiscuity (having 50 or more lifetime intercourse partners), and ever having an STD, including HIV.
151
While the relationship between GBV, violence against children, and HIV/AIDS is multifaceted, HIV can
increase the likelihood of being exposed to violence and violent or forced sex, which increases the risk of
HIV infection and other STDs.152
In addition, HIV puts increased stress on the families, communities, and
service systems intended to protect children from violence.153
Current estimates of GBV and other forms of violence against children vary widely depending on the
country and the research method used. Nonetheless, international studies reveal that approximately
302 million children have experienced severe physical punishment at home;154 150 million girls have
experienced sexual abuse;155 and 115 million children are involved in hazardous work.156 Additionally,
many children are subject to emotional abuse and neglect.157 Every year, there are an estimated 31,000
homicide deaths in children under 15 worldwide. This number underestimates the true extent of the
problem, as a significant proportion of deaths is incorrectly attributed to falls, burns, and other
causes.158
Several factors, including but not limited to gender, may impact risk levels and the types of abuse to
which children are vulnerable. A 2006 UNICEF study cited data suggesting that girls are at greater risk of
neglect and sexual violence, whereas boys face a greater risk of physical violence.159,160
Recent violence
studies carried out by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and UNICEF confirm this
trend. The UNICEF study revealed that young children are at the greatest risk of physical violence,
whereas sexual violence predominantly affects those who have reached adolescence or puberty