The lifetime toll you can’t ignore: why 840 million women like you have faced partner or sexual violence

DCM Editorial Summary: This story has been independently rewritten and summarised for DCM readers to highlight key developments relevant to the region. Original reporting by WHO, click this post to read the original article.

A new report by the World Health Organization and UN agencies reveals that violence against women remains a widespread and under-addressed crisis across the globe. Nearly one in three women—around 840 million—have experienced partner or sexual violence in their lifetime, with little improvement over the past two decades. Alarming statistics show that 316 million women were subjected to abuse by an intimate partner over the last year alone. The report also introduces for the first time regional data on sexual violence by non-partners, estimating that 263 million women have experienced such violence since age 15, though experts caution that actual numbers may be even higher due to underreporting and stigma.

You learn that the risks women face are not only widespread but lifelong, with adolescent girls already heavily impacted. For instance, over 12 million girls aged 15–19 reported physical or sexual violence from a partner just in the past year. The data reinforces that violence against women is more prevalent in low-income, conflict-prone, and climate-vulnerable regions. Oceania, excluding Australia and New Zealand, reported a disturbing 38% prevalence rate of intimate partner violence—the highest worldwide.

Despite decades of data and awareness, funding to combat this crisis remains critically low. In 2022, only 0.2% of global development aid was directed toward the prevention of violence against women—and aid has decreased even more in 2023. This underinvestment persists despite proven strategies and resources like the updated RESPECT Women Framework, which offers actionable steps for policymakers to address and prevent gender-based violence.

Countries that have shown political will, such as Cambodia, Ecuador, and Uganda, demonstrate that progress is possible when commitment is matched with resources. They’ve introduced national plans, improved services, and enacted legal reforms. The report emphasizes that real change can only happen if governments act urgently to scale up evidence-based prevention, improve services, invest in better data tracking, and enforce laws that protect and empower women and girls.

Ultimately, you’re urged to recognize that ending violence against women requires action now—from governments, communities, and individuals. Empowering women and addressing gender inequality isn’t just a moral issue—it’s essential for global health, safety, peace, and development.