A comprehensive report released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and various UN partners reveals a staggering global crisis: approximately 840 million women, or nearly one in three, have experienced partner or sexual violence in their lifetime. Despite ongoing efforts, the figures have shown minimal change since the year 2000. The report highlights that in the past year alone, 316 million women aged 15 and older faced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner.
The findings indicate that the progress in reducing intimate partner violence has been painfully slow, with only a 0.2% annual decline over the past two decades. For the first time, the report provides national and regional estimates of sexual violence perpetrated by someone other than an intimate partner. It estimates that 263 million women have experienced such violence since turning 15, a figure experts warn is likely under-reported due to societal stigma and fear.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of WHO, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue: “Violence against women is one of humanity’s oldest and most pervasive injustices, yet still one of the least acted upon. No society can call itself fair, safe or healthy while half its population lives in fear.” He underscored that ending violence against women is a matter of dignity, equality, and human rights.
The report has been released ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November, marking it as the most comprehensive examination of the prevalence of violence against women to date. It updates previous estimates from 2018 and analyzes data from 168 countries, revealing a stark picture of a crisis that remains critically underfunded.
Despite clear evidence of effective strategies to combat violence against women, the report warns that funding for these initiatives is collapsing. In 2022, only 0.2% of global development aid was directed towards programs aimed at preventing violence against women, a percentage that has further declined in 2023. This lack of investment occurs at a time when humanitarian emergencies, technological changes, and rising socio-economic inequalities are increasing risks for millions of women and girls.
The report illustrates that violence against women often begins early, with significant risks persisting throughout life. In the past year, 12.5 million adolescent girls aged 15 to 19, representing 16% of that demographic, experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner. While violence is a global issue, women in least-developed, conflict-affected, and climate-vulnerable areas are disproportionately affected. For instance, Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) reports a prevalence of intimate partner violence at 38%, more than three times the global average of 11%.
Despite the grim statistics, some countries are making strides. For example, Cambodia is implementing a national project to update domestic violence legislation and enhance service delivery. Other nations, including Ecuador, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda, have developed costed national action plans that signal a growing political commitment to this issue, even as international aid budgets decline.
To foster meaningful change, the report advocates for decisive government action and increased funding. Alongside the report, the second edition of the RESPECT Women framework has been launched, providing updated guidance for violence prevention, particularly in humanitarian contexts.
Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, stated, “Ending violence against women and girls requires courage, commitment, and collective action. Advancing gender equality is how we build a more equal, safer world for everyone.”
Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, added, “The data paint a grim picture of the toll of inaction. This must change now. We must act urgently together to end this violence and ensure that every woman and girl, in all her diversity, can exercise her rights.”
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, highlighted the pattern of violence beginning in adolescence: “The key is to break this pattern of violence against women and girls.”
As the report underscores, addressing violence against women is not just a policy issue; it is vital for the dignity and equality of half the world’s population. The call for action is clear: urgent and collective efforts are needed to end this pervasive injustice.
