Sexual violence against children is a global problem and yet remains one of the least reported forms of violence, characterized by a high percentage of dark numbers. The aim of this paper is to review current conceptualizations and various forms of sexual victimization of children, gain insight into the scope of sexual victimization of children, characteristics of both perpetrators and victims, as well as the current options for sanctioning perpetrators and protection of victims. Special attention is paid to the review of research findings conducted on the basis of secondary data in Croatia and abroad. There are many different definitions of sexual violence against children, while some of the key words implemented in Croatian legislation are defined by the Lanzarote Convention. According to terminological guidelines, the term "sexual violence" is used as an umbrella term in this area. Although it is difficult to talk about the actual extent of sexual violence, it is estimated that one in five children is sexually victimized during their childhood. Victims' characteristics are heterogeneous and available data indicates that sexual violence is more often experienced by girls when compared to boys, while the consequences of victimization can be short-term and long-term. The perpetrators are mostly men who are already known to the child victims. Sexual offences are among the most serious crimes, and the most common legal punishment is imprisonment. In some countries, legal sentences also include life imprisonment, as well as surgical and chemical castration. In criminal proceedings, victims are treated with special care in order to avoid secondary victimization. A total of seven studies conducted on the basis of secondary data are presented, four of which are foreign and three of which are conducted in Croatia. Comparing the results is especially difficult due to different definitions of this research phenomena and different legislation frameworks. Therefore, each study is presented separately. The results of the presented studies mostly align with the general conclusions in the field of sexual violence against children, specifically the sex of the perpetrator and victim, the relationship between the perpetrator and victim, and the place where the crime is committed. Further efforts by experts, researchers and politicians are needed to fully protect children from various forms of sexual victimization.