A study focused on the sexual victimization of street-connected children in Bangladesh reveals alarming rates of abuse. Researchers surveyed 592 children in Dhaka, with 32 participating in detailed interviews. The study found that 75% of participants experienced forced kissing, 99% encountered inappropriate sexual comments, and 84% reported incidents of rape.

Factors such as gender, age, shelter status, and poverty were identified as significant predictors of sexual abuse. Specifically, children aged 13 and older, those living in night shelters, and male children were at a higher risk for rape. Qualitative interviews highlighted that assaults often occurred at night, with children expressing fear during these hours. Perpetrators included adults, older youth, police, and strangers.

The findings suggest that a lack of safe sleeping environments significantly increases the risk of rape among these vulnerable children. Immediate action is necessary to provide safe housing options tailored to the children’s preferences to help reduce victimization rates.