The Organization’s report points to a stagnation in the reduction of cases since 2000 and reveals that one in three women suffers physical or sexual assault
Almost one in three women – around 840 million worldwide – has suffered some episode of domestic or sexual violence in their lifetime. The data, released this Wednesday (19) by the World Health Organization (), has practically not changed since the year 2000. In the last 12 months alone, 316 million women – 11% of them aged 15 or over – were victims of physical or sexual violence committed by their partner. “Progress in reducing intimate partner violence has been painfully slow, with an annual decline of just 0.2% over the past two decades,” highlighted the WHO.
For the first time, the report includes national and regional estimates of sexual violence perpetrated by someone other than a partner. This is the case for 263 million women aged 15 or over. “A number that, according to experts, is significantly underreported due to stigma and fear,” warned the WHO.
“Violence against women is one of humanity’s oldest and most widespread injustices and yet one of the least combated,” said WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “No society can consider itself fair, safe or healthy while half of its population lives in fear”, he added, mentioning that ending sexual violence against women is not just a political issue, but one of dignity, equality and human rights.
“Behind every statistic, there 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,” concluded Tedros.
Risks
The WHO warns that women who are victims of violence face unwanted pregnancies, a greater 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 begins early, and the risks persist throughout life. Over the last 12 months, 12.5 million adolescents aged between 15 and 19 years old (16% of the total) suffered physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by their partner.
“Although violence occurs in all countries, women in least developed countries, affected by conflict and vulnerable to climate change are disproportionately affected,” the WHO highlighted.
Oceania, for example, with the exception of Australia and New Zealand, recorded a 38% prevalence rate of 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 there are still significant gaps – especially in relation to sexual violence committed by people who are not intimate partners, and marginalized groups such as indigenous, migrant and disabled women.
To accelerate global progress and generate meaningful change in the lives of women and girls affected by violence, the document calls for decisive government action and funding to:
- Expand evidence-based prevention programs;
- Strengthen health, legal and social services focused on survivors;
- Invest in data systems to monitor progress and reach more vulnerable groups;
- Ensure the application of laws and policies that empower women and girls;
*With information from Agência Brasil
Published by Nícolas Robert
