Geneva: Violence against women remains one of the world’s most widespread, persistent and neglected human rights crises, with almost no progress recorded in the past two decades, according to a landmark global report released today by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and its UN partners.
The study estimates that nearly 1 in 3 women worldwide — 840 million in total — have experienced intimate partner violence or sexual violence at some point in their lives. This figure has remained largely unchanged since 2000. In just the past year, 316 million women (11% of those aged 15 or older) were subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
Despite global pledges, the decline in intimate partner violence has averaged just 0.2% per year over the last two decades — a rate WHO describes as “painfully slow.”
For the first time, the report also provides national and regional estimates of non-partner sexual violence, finding that 263 million women have been assaulted by someone other than a partner since the age of 15 — a number researchers warn is significantly under-reported due to stigma, fear and weak legal systems.
” No society is safe or just while half its population lives in fear” — WHO Chief
“Violence against women is one of humanity’s oldest and most pervasive injustices, yet still one of the least acted upon,” said Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.
“No society can call itself fair, safe or healthy while half its population lives in fear. Ending this violence is not only a matter of policy; it is a matter of dignity, equality and human rights. Behind every statistic is a woman or girl whose life has been forever altered.”
He warned that empowering women and girls is “a prerequisite for peace, development and health.”
A Deeply Neglected Crisis – and Funding Is Shrinking
The study, the most comprehensive global analysis to date (2000–2023), reviews national surveys from 168 countries and reveals a systemically underfunded response.
In 2022, only 0.2% of global development aid was directed toward the prevention of violence against women — and funding has fallen even further in 2025.
The report notes that this collapse in investment comes at a time when violence risks are rising due to:
• humanitarian crises
• conflict
• technological exploitation
• climate stress
• economic inequality
Violence Begins Early — and Leaves Lifelong Impact
The data shows that violence often begins in adolescence and continues throughout a woman’s life.
In the last 12 months alone, 12.5 million girls aged 15–19 — about 16% of this age group — experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner.
Women exposed to violence face increased risks of:
• unintended pregnancies
• sexually transmitted infections
• depression and mental health disorders
Sexual and reproductive health services, the report stresses, remain crucial entry points for survivors seeking care.
Disproportionate Burden in Vulnerable Regions
While violence occurs in every country, the worst affected are:
• Least-developed nations
• Conflict and post-conflict zones
• Climate-vulnerable regions
In Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand), intimate partner violence in the past year stands at 38% — more than three times the global average.
Some Countries Show Progress — Where Political Will Exists
A handful of nations have demonstrated measurable progress through political commitment and investments:
• Cambodia is upgrading domestic violence legislation, improving service access, refurbishing shelters and introducing digital prevention programmes in schools.
• Ecuador, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda have developed costed national action plans with domestic financing, signalling rising political importance despite shrinking aid budgets.
The Report’s Call for Urgent Action
To accelerate global progress, WHO and UN partners urge governments to:
• Scale up evidence-based prevention programmes
• Strengthen survivor-centred health, legal and social services
• Invest in data systems to reach the most vulnerable groups
• Enforce laws and policies that uphold women’s rights and safety
The report also coincides with the launch of the updated RESPECT Women framework, offering governments an expanded roadmap for prevention, including guidance tailored for humanitarian emergencies.
“There can be no more silence or inaction,” the report concludes. “Leaders must commit — and act.”
Voices From UN Partners
Dr Sima Bahous, Executive Director, UN Women: “Ending violence against women and girls requires courage, commitment and collective action. Advancing gender equality is how we build a safer, more equal world.”
Diene Keita, Executive Director, UNFPA:
“The cycle of abuse ripples across families and generations. The data shows the toll of inaction — this must change now.”
Catherine Russell, Executive Director, UNICEF: “Many women first experience violence when they are adolescents. Many children grow up watching violence at home. Breaking this cycle is the key.”
