According todata from a report released by the World Health Organization and its UN partners on November 19 , one in three women worldwide—approximately 840 million women—has experienced intimate partner or sexual violence in her lifetime. This figure has remained virtually unchanged since 2000.
In the past twelve months alone, 316 million women, or 11% of women aged 15 and over, have experienced physical or sexual violence at the hands of their intimate partners.
The report reveals for the first time estimates of sexual violence perpetrated by non-partners, with 263 million women having experienced sexual violence from a non-partner since the age of fifteen.
Experts stress that the actual number is much higher than this figure due to underreporting resulting from fear and social stigma.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization, stated that "violence against women is one of the oldest and most widespread injustices in human history, yet it remains one of the least addressed issues." He added, "No society can be described as just, safe, or healthy as long as half its population lives in fear. Ending this violence is not just a matter of policy; it is a matter of dignity, equality, and human rights."
Amid growing needs, efforts to combat violence against women face significant funding challenges. In 2022, only 0.2% of total global development assistance went to programs aimed at preventing violence against women, and funding continued to decline in 2023.
The report warns of the devastating consequences of violence against women, ranging from unintended pregnancies to an increased risk of depression and sexually transmitted infections. It also emphasizes that the cycle of violence begins early in a woman's life, with 12.5 million adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 experiencing physical or sexual violence from their partners in the past year alone.
Violence rates vary between different regions, with Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) recording the highest rates at 38%, which is more than three times the global average.
Despite this bleak picture, the report notes some positive examples in countries that have demonstrated genuine political commitment. In Cambodia, a comprehensive national project is underway to modernize domestic violence legislation and improve the quality of services provided to survivors. Several other countries, including Ecuador, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda, have also developed nationally funded action plans to address the issue.
The report calls for decisive action to accelerate global progress, including strengthening evidence-based prevention programs, improving survivor-centered services, investing in data systems to identify the most vulnerable groups, and enforcing laws and policies that support the empowerment of women and girls.
The report was accompanied by the launch of the second edition of the report "Respect Women: Preventing Violence Against Women," which provides updated guidance for preventing violence, including in humanitarian contexts.
The report stated: "There is no room for further silence or inaction. We need a strong commitment and immediate action from leaders to end violence against women and girls."
