Introduction - All scientific studies examining experiences of sexual violence conclude that the majority of such incidents occur for the first time during childhood. This is a significant risk factor for the development of mental health disorders that can persist into adulthood. The objective of this study is to assess the mental health status of individuals who reported having experienced sexual violence before the age of 15 and to describe the sociodemographic and socioeconomic characteristics of those affected by such violence. Methods - In 2017, the Santé publique France Barometer surveyed 25,319 people aged 18 to 75. The variable of interest in the study is having reported being a victim of sexual violence for the first time before the age of 15. Results - Nearly 6% of women and 1.4% of men reported having been forced to endure or perform sexual touching, or having been forced to have sexual intercourse against their will before the age of 15. Victims of childhood sexual violence experience more mental health issues—particularly women—and have a significantly higher lifetime risk of having attempted suicide than those who did not experience this event. Discussion - Despite known underreporting of sexual violence, the results are consistent with French and international scientific literature. Measuring the phenomenon of violence against children still poses many challenges today, and preventing such violence is a major public health issue. Significant efforts will be required to advance knowledge regarding the extent and nature of the phenomenon, as well as its co-occurrence with other adverse life events.