Lifetime Impact: Over 840 Million Women Have Endured Partner or Sexual Violence

Johannesburg – The challenge of violence against women remains one of the most persistent and inadequately addressed human rights issues globally, with little progress over the last two decades, as emphasized in a recent significant report by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UN partners.

About 1 in 3 women – nearly 840 million globally – have experienced partner or sexual violence at some point in their lives, a statistic that has seen minimal change since 2000.

The report, released on 19 November 2025, reveals that in the past year, 316 million women – representing 11% of those aged 15 and older – faced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner.

Efforts to reduce intimate partner violence have been frustratingly slow, showing only a 0.2% annual decline over the past two decades.

For the first time, the report provides national and regional estimates of sexual violence perpetrated by individuals other than intimate partners.

It indicates that 263 million women have faced non-partner sexual violence since the age of 15, a number that experts warn is likely significantly under-reported due to existing stigma and fear.

“Violence against women is one of humanity’s oldest and most pervasive injustices, yet still one of the least addressed,” remarked Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General.

“No society can claim to be just, safe, or healthy while half its population lives in fear.

“Ending this violence goes beyond policy; it encompasses dignity, equality, and human rights.

“Behind every statistic is a woman or girl whose life has been irrevocably altered.”

“Empowering women and girls is not optional; it’s essential for peace, development, and well-being.

“A safer world for women is a better world for everyone.”

Challenges Amidst Financial Reductions

The new report, released in anticipation of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls, observed on 25 November, constitutes the most comprehensive analysis of the prevalence of both forms of violence against women.

It updates the estimates published in 2018 and made public in 2021.

Additionally, it reviews data from 2000 to 2023 across 168 countries, shedding light on the severity of a crisis that has been grievously neglected and underfunded.

Despite clear evidence supporting effective methods to prevent violence against women, the report warns that funding for such programs is declining, coinciding with humanitarian crises, technological shifts, and rising socio-economic inequalities that further endanger millions of women and girls.

In 2022, for example, only 0.2% of global development aid was allocated to initiatives targeting the prevention of violence against women, and funding has decreased even more in 2025.

Dr. Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women, commented: “Ending violence against women and girls demands courage, commitment, and collective action.

“Advancing gender equality is essential for creating a more just and secure world for all, where every woman and girl can live free from violence.”

Ubiquitous and Lifelong Risks

Women experiencing violence face unintended pregnancies, a greater chance of contracting sexually transmitted infections, and increased rates of mental health issues like depression.

Access to sexual and reproductive health services is crucial for survivors to obtain the necessary high-quality care.

The report underscores that violence against women often begins early, with risks persisting throughout life. For instance, in the past year alone, 12.5 million adolescent girls aged 15-19 – or 16% – have faced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner.

Although such violence is prevalent worldwide, women in least-developed, conflict-affected, and climate-vulnerable areas are particularly impacted.

For instance, Oceania (excluding Australia and New Zealand) reports a 38% prevalence of intimate partner violence over the past year—more than three times the global average of 11%.

Diene Keita, Executive Director of UNFPA, stated: “Violence against women inflicts deep and lasting harm that affects their lives, health, and dignity.

“For many, this violence is exacerbated by discrimination related to poverty, disability, and other factors, placing them at even greater risk.

“The devastating cycle of abuse often reverberates through families, communities, and generations. The data reveals a grim reality regarding the cost of inaction.

“This situation must change without delay.”

Keita further stated: “We must come together urgently to eradicate this violence and ensure that every woman and girl, in all her diversity, can claim her rights, realize her potential, and contribute fully to more just, equal, and prosperous societies.”

A Call for Action and Accountability

More countries than ever are now collecting data to inform policies; however, significant gaps remain—particularly concerning non-partner sexual violence and marginalized groups such as indigenous women, migrants, and women with disabilities, as well as data from fragile and humanitarian contexts.

Progress has been noted in nations where political commitment is strong.

For example, Cambodia is progressing with a national project aimed at revising domestic violence legislation, enhancing service delivery, quality, and access, renovating shelters, and employing digital strategies in schools and communities to foster prevention, particularly among adolescents.

Countries like Ecuador, Liberia, Trinidad and Tobago, and Uganda have developed costed national action plans.

Legislation and advocacy efforts in these countries have secured some domestic funding for this cause, reflecting heightened political commitment during a period of declining aid budgets.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell stated: “The data indicates that many women first experience violence from a partner during their adolescent years.

“Many children witness their mothers being pushed, slapped, or humiliated, normalizing violence as part of daily life.

“The key lies in breaking this cycle of violence against women and girls.”

To accelerate global progress and effect meaningful change in the lives of affected women and girls, the report calls for decisive government action and funding to:

• Broaden evidence-based prevention initiatives
• Enhance survivor-centered health, legal, and social services
• Invest in data systems to monitor progress and reach the most vulnerable populations
• Enforce laws and policies that empower women and girls.

The report is released alongside the second edition of the RESPECT Women: preventing violence against women framework, which provides updated guidance for violence prevention, including in humanitarian settings.

The report asserts that silence and inaction are no longer tolerable.

“We need leaders to commit and act to end violence against women and girls immediately.”

Recently, the South African government has declared Gender-Based Violence and femicide a national disaster, following widespread protests and rising concern about the abuse of women and children.