Nearly one in three women – about 840 million worldwide – have suffered some episode of domestic or sexual violence during their lifetime. The data, released this Wednesday (19) by the World Health Organization (WHO), has barely changed since the year 2000.
In the last 12 months alone, 316 million women – 11% of those aged 15 or older – were victims of physical or sexual violence perpetrated by their partner. “Progress in reducing intimate partner violence has been painfully slow, with an annual decline of just 0.2% over the last two decades,” highlighted the WHO.
For the first time, the report includes national and regional estimates of sexual violence perpetrated by someone other than the partner. This affects 263 million women aged 15 or older. “A number that, according to experts, is significantly underreported due to stigma and fear,” warned the WHO.
“Violence against women is one of the oldest and most widespread injustices of humanity and yet one of the least combated,” assessed WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus.
“No society can consider itself just, safe, or healthy while half of its population lives in fear,” he added, noting that ending sexual violence against women is not just a political issue, but one of dignity, equality, and human rights.
“Behind every statistic is a woman or girl whose life has been changed forever. Empowering women and girls is not optional; it is a prerequisite for peace, development, and health. A safer world for women is a better world for everyone,” Tedros concluded.
Risks
The WHO warns that women victims of violence face unwanted pregnancies, higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, and depression. “Sexual and reproductive health services are an important entry point for survivors to receive the high-quality care they need.”
The report also highlights that violence against women starts early, and the risks persist throughout life. In the last 12 months, 12.5 million adolescents aged 15 to 19 (16% of the total) suffered physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by their partner.
“Although violence occurs in all countries, women in less developed countries, affected by conflicts, and vulnerable to climate change are disproportionately affected,” emphasized the WHO.
Oceania, for example, excluding Australia and New Zealand, recorded a prevalence rate of 38% for partner violence over the last year – more than three times the global average of 11%.
Call to action
According to the report, more countries are collecting data to support public policies to combat violence against women, but significant gaps still exist – especially regarding sexual violence perpetrated by non-intimate partners, and marginalized groups such as indigenous women, migrants, and those with disabilities.
To accelerate global progress and bring about significant changes in the lives of women and girls affected by violence, the document calls for decisive government actions and funding aimed at:
• Expanding evidence-based prevention programs;
• Strengthening survivor-centered health, legal, and social services;
• Investing in data systems to monitor progress and reach the most vulnerable groups;
• Ensuring the enforcement of laws and policies that empower women and girls.
Source: Agência Brasil