7 Alarming Facts About Violence Against Women You Need to Know

Just this month, a new report highlights that violence against women and girls (VAWG) in England and Wales has reached “epidemic levels,” with one in 12 women experiencing violence each year—approximately two million victims. The UK Home Office has even recognized this as a national threat to public safety. However, VAWG is a pervasive issue that has reached alarming proportions globally. Here, we present seven critical facts about VAWG worldwide, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive and coordinated efforts to address this crisis.

1. It’s everywhere: One-third of all women worldwide experience violence from an intimate partner. This widespread issue affects millions across all regions and societies. Even in countries that score very high on the Human Development Index, around seven percent of the ever-partnered female population reports experiencing intimate partner violence.  
2. Intimate partner violence (IPV) is pervasive: For women, no place is less safe than their own homes. Over half of all femicides are perpetrated by intimate partners or family members. In regions like South Asia, 22 percent of women have reported experiencing violence from a partner within the past year.
3. The impact on children is severe: VAWG often has intergenerational effects. Children who witness or experience violence in their homes are more likely to face psychological issues and perpetuate the cycle of violence in their future relationships.
4. It is costly: The financial burden of violence against women is immense. For example, in Switzerland, violence costs more than 8 percent of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP), most of it being associated with domestic violence, highlighting the extensive economic impact beyond the personal suffering endured by victims.
5. It remains underreported: Many cases of violence against women go unreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of support. This silence exacerbates the problem, making it challenging to address the true scale of the issue.
6. Marginalized groups are disproportionately affected: Women from marginalized communities, including ethnic minorities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with disabilities, face a higher risk of violence.
7. Effective interventions exist: Interventions that combine economic empowerment and social training, such as the Microfinance for AIDS & Gender Equity (IMAGE) initiative in South Africa, are particularly effective. IMAGE participants reported a 55 percent reduction in the past year’s experience of physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner.

VAWG is a universal issue requiring urgent attention and action. Recognizing and addressing this crisis is crucial for creating safer, more peaceful societies. By understanding the true scope of the problem, we can take meaningful steps to reduce and prevent violence against women and girls worldwide.

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Curious about how to tackle VAWG globally? Our new report offers practical solutions to halve global violence by 2030. Check out our program on Halving Global Violence and join us in the fight to create a more peaceful world!