P a g e | 75 The 2003 Gender and Development Policy states that the GoL will advocate for laws and policies against all forms of sexual abuse and exploitation. Under this policy, the MGYSR holds the mandate to coordinate gender mainstreaming throughout national and sector development policies and programs. In 2007, the Education Sector Policy on HIV/AIDS states that HIV and AIDS safe workplaces will be established at all levels of the education system to protect all children, including those with special educational needs, from all forms of sexual abuse, including harassment, sexual molestation, sexual exploitation, and rape. The 2008 National Reproductive Health Policy acknowledges that young persons are at increased risk of contracting HIV and AIDS and calls on authorities to strengthen and enforce laws to protect this group against physical and sexual abuse and to increase access to information and services. A USAID funded report entitled National Response Efforts to Address Sexual Violence and Exploitation Against Children in Lesotho was released in May 2013. It revealed that almost six percent of all households with children had at least one child who had been subject to violence in the previous twelve months. Around one percent had suffered sexual violence. Approximately one out of ten respondents noted that in the year before the survey they were personally aware of situations of sexual abuse in their immediate neighborhoods. Figures in this response were higher in urban areas. It is estimated then that there were approximately 10,000 cases of sexual abuse in 2012. Progress A police forensic lab was established in Maseru in 2009. Post Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) is now routinely provided to children to avoid transmission of HIV Aids & other STI’s. The PEP kit also includes prevention of pregnancy measures. Many CGPU officers have received training on child play therapy. The establishments of children’s courts means child-friendly practices are used in deducing evidence from children, without adding to their trauma. The Penal Code was amended to allow for the termination of pregnancy where the child was conceived as result of rape. Difficulties The rate of sexual assault is alarming. Reported incidents of rape have been on the rise, including cases of children of all ages, with the highest number in the 13-18 age group although an increasing number of reported rape cases involve young children and infants as young as 12 months. Statistical evidence regarding sexual abuse of children is patchy, if not non-existent. In 2005, out of 668 cases reported to the Child and Gender Protection Unit, 339, or 51