Global Crisis: Violence Against Women Remains Rampant with Minimal Progress in Two Decades
Nearly one in three women worldwide – an estimated 840 million – have experienced either partner or sexual violence in their lifetime, a statistic that has remained stubbornly unchanged since 2000, according to a landmark report released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN partners.
The comprehensive study, released ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls on November 25th, paints a grim picture of a deeply neglected global crisis. The report analyzes data from 168 countries spanning 2000 to 2023, revealing a stark reality: despite growing awareness, progress in reducing violence against women has been painfully slow.
A Persistent and Pervasive Injustice
“Violence against women is one of humanity’s oldest and most pervasive injustices, yet still one of the least acted upon,” stated a senior official from the WHO. “No society can call itself fair, safe or healthy while half its population lives in fear.” The report highlights that ending this violence isn’t simply a matter of policy, but a fundamental issue of dignity, equality, and human rights.
The scale of the problem is staggering. In the last 12 months alone, 316 million women – 11% of those aged 15 or older – were subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Progress on reducing intimate partner violence has stalled, with only a 0.2% annual decline over the past two decades.
Expanding the Scope: Non-Partner Sexual Violence
For the first time, the report provides national and regional estimates of sexual violence perpetrated by individuals other than a partner. The findings reveal that 263 million women have experienced non-partner sexual violence since the age of 15. Experts caution that this figure is likely a significant underestimation due to the stigma and fear surrounding reporting such crimes.
Funding Crisis Exacerbates the Problem
Despite mounting evidence demonstrating the effectiveness of violence prevention strategies, funding for these initiatives is rapidly declining. This shortfall comes at a critical juncture, as humanitarian emergencies, technological shifts, and increasing socio-economic inequality are simultaneously driving up the risk for millions of women and girls. In 2022, a mere 0.2% of global development aid was allocated to programs focused on preventing violence against women, and projections indicate a further decrease in 2025.
Lifelong Risks and Disproportionate Impact
Women who experience violence face a range of devastating consequences, including unintended pregnancies, increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, and higher rates of depression. Access to sexual and reproductive health services is crucial for providing survivors with the high-quality care they need.
The report underscores that violence against women often begins early in life and persists throughout a woman’s lifetime. Alarmingly, 12.5 million adolescent girls aged 15-19 – representing 16% of that age group – have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in the past 12 months.
Women in least-developed, conflict-affected, and climate-vulnerable settings are disproportionately affected. For instance, Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) reports a prevalence of intimate partner violence of 38% in the past year – more than three times the global average of 11%.
A Call for Action and Accountability
While more countries are now collecting data to inform policies, significant gaps remain, particularly regarding non-partner sexual violence and the experiences of marginalized groups such as indigenous women, migrants, and women with disabilities. Data from fragile and humanitarian settings is also lacking.
Progress has been observed in countries demonstrating strong political commitment. Cambodia, for example, is implementing a national project to update domestic violence legislation, improve service delivery, and leverage digital solutions for prevention, particularly among adolescents. Ecuador, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda have also developed costed national action plans, signaling increased domestic financing for this critical issue.
To accelerate global progress, the report calls for decisive government action and increased funding to:
- Scale up evidence-based prevention programs.
- Strengthen survivor-centered health, legal, and social services.
- Invest in data systems to track progress and reach the most at-risk groups.
- Enforce laws and policies empowering women and girls.
The report is accompanied by the launch of the second edition of the RESPECT Women framework, offering updated guidance for violence prevention, including in humanitarian contexts.
“Ending violence against women and girls requires courage, commitment, and collective action,” said Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. “Advancing gender equality is how we build a more equal, safer world for everyone, where every woman and every girl can live a life free from violence.”
Another official from UNFPA added, “Violence against women inflicts deep and lasting harm…The data paint a grim picture of the toll of inaction. This must change now.” UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the importance of breaking the cycle of violence, noting that “many children grow up watching their mothers being pushed, hit or humiliated, with violence a part of daily life.”
There can be no more silence or inaction. Leaders must commit to and act towards ending violence against women and girls now.
