Nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide, around 840 million, have experienced physical or sexual violence from partners or others, according to a new WHO report. Despite two decades of awareness, progress has been painfully slow, with only a 0.2% annual decline in intimate partner violence.
In the past year alone, 316 million women (11% of women aged 15 and older) suffered physical or sexual violence from intimate partners. Additionally, 263 million women have experienced sexual violence from non-partners since age 15, with experts cautioning it is likely under-reported due to stigma and fear.
Devastating Health Consequences and Lifelong Impact
Violence leads to unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, depression, and increased risk of suicide. Adolescent girls are particularly vulnerable, with 16% aged 15-19 experiencing partner violence in the past year.
Disproportionate Burden on Vulnerable Populations
Women in least-developed, conflict-affected, and climate-vulnerable regions face higher risks. Oceania, excluding Australia and New Zealand, reports a staggering 38% prevalence of intimate partner violence, more than triple the global average.
Glaring Gaps in Data and Services
Although more countries collect data on violence, significant gaps exist around marginalized groups including indigenous women, migrants, and women with disabilities, as well as fragile humanitarian settings. This hampers tailored policy development and resource allocation.
Political Commitment Can Drive Change
Countries like Cambodia, Ecuador, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda show political will with legislation updates, national action plans, and increased domestic financing. These efforts prove progress is possible even amid declining international aid.
Calls for Decisive Action and Funding
The report urges governments to:
Scale up evidence-based prevention programs.
Strengthen survivor-centered legal, health, and social services.
Invest in data systems to track progress and vulnerable groups.
Enforce laws empowering women and girls.
Violence against women remains one of humanity’s oldest and most pervasive injustices, with devastating consequences and insufficient progress. The new WHO and UN report highlights urgent needs for political commitment, increased funding, and multisectoral efforts to protect women and girls’ dignity, rights, and health worldwide.
Violence against women is one of humanity’s oldest and most pervasive injustices, yet still one of the least acted upon. Ending violence is essential for peace, development, and health, signaling a better world for all.
Q&A Section
Q: How prevalent is violence against women globally?
A: Nearly one-third of women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence.
Q: What forms of violence are included in the statistics?
A: Intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence are major forms covered.
Q: Which groups of women are most affected?
A: Adolescent girls, indigenous women, migrants, women with disabilities, and those in conflict zones.
Q: What are key strategies to combat violence against women?
A: Prevention programs, survivor-centered services, robust data collection, and law enforcement.
FAQ
What health impacts does violence against women cause?
It increases risks of unintended pregnancy, STIs, depression, and suicide.
Is violence against women decreasing globally?
Progress is slow, with only a 0.2% annual drop in intimate partner violence over two decades.
Why is data on violence limited?
Stigma, fear, and marginalized populations often hinder comprehensive reporting.
How can governments support survivors?
By funding comprehensive services, enforcing laws, and promoting gender equality policies.
