In situations of conflict and instability, women are more likely to experience violence, including sexual violence. 840 million women have experienced partner violence or sexual violence Women
Almost every third woman in the world has experienced partner violence or sexual violence at least once in her life. This figure has remained virtually unchanged since 2000.
Violence against women remains one of the most serious human rights problems. This is according to a report released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners.
Violence rates are falling very slowly
The number of women experiencing partner violence or sexual violence reaches 840 million. In the past 12 months alone, 316 million women—11 percent of all women over 15—experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Progress in reducing such cases has been extremely slow: over the past 20 years, the rate has declined by only 0.2 percent per year.
For the first time, the report includes indicators of violence perpetrated by non-partners of the women victims. According to the study, 263 million women over 15 years of age have experienced such violence. However, experts emphasize that the actual figures are much higher, since stigma and fear prevent the detection of such crimes.
“No society can consider itself just, safe or healthy while half of its population lives in fear. Ending violence is not just a matter of politics, it is a matter of dignity, equality and human rights. Behind every number is a woman or girl whose life has been forever changed,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. violence
The new report, released ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls on November 25, is the largest study yet on intimate partner violence and sexual violence. The paper analyzed data from 168 countries from 2000 to 2023.
Despite growing evidence of the effectiveness of violence prevention programs, the report warns that funding for such initiatives is declining. Yet humanitarian crises, technological change and socioeconomic inequalities are increasing the risks for millions of women and girls. Thus, in 2022, only 0.2 percent of all international development assistance was allocated to violence prevention programs, and in 2025, funding fell significantly.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is celebrated on November 25th. The annual 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign kicks off on this day. Orange is the official color of the campaign.
New technologies contribute to the spread of violence
UN Women, an organization that also contributed to the new report, notes that new technologies can contribute to the spread of violence against women.
One global study found that 38 percent of women have personally experienced online violence, and 85 percent of women have witnessed digital violence against others.
However It’s not just about online violence: technology is blurring the boundaries between virtual space and reality, and violence on the Internet can spill over into everyday life.
For example, the distribution of deepfake pornographic videos can negatively affect a woman’s emotional state and her career, and harassment, insults and disclosure of a woman’s personal information on the Internet can lead to her receiving threats and being bullied in real life.
The consequences of violence are felt throughout life. life
Partner violence and sexual abuse can result in serious injury, unwanted pregnancies, infections and depression. Sexual, reproductive and mental health services are critical to helping victims.
Violence exists in every country, but women in least developed countries, as well as countries affected by conflict and regularly exposed to natural disasters, suffer significantly more. For example, in Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand), the prevalence rate of partner violence over the past year was 38 percent, more than triple the global rate over the past year of 11 percent. violence against women, but gaps remain, particularly with regard to sexual violence by non-partners, and data on marginalized groups such as indigenous peoples, migrants, women with disabilities and women living in fragile regions.
The report also highlights successful examples of programs to protect women. For example, Cambodia is implementing a project to update legislation on domestic violence, improve the quality and accessibility of services for women, modernize shelters, and introduce digital solutions in schools to prevent violence, especially among adolescents.
Ecuador, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda have prepared national action plans. Legislative responses in these countries have helped generate domestic financial resources to address violence.
The report calls on governments to fund proven prevention programs and victim-focused health, legal and social services, invest in data collection systems, and ensure strict enforcement of laws that empower women and girls.