Archive · 19 Nov 2025
Nearly a Third of Women Globally Face Partner or Sexual Violence: WHO
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced intimate partner or sexual violence.
This violence is a serious global issue that affects women in all communities, with women in poorer countries and conflict zones being disproportionately affected.
Despite the scale of the problem, funding for prevention programs is extremely low.
840 million women have experienced intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetime
316 million women faced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner in the past year
263 million women experienced non-partner sexual violence since the age of 15
Funding for prevention programs is collapsing, with only 0.2% of global development aid allocated in 2022
Women in poorer countries and conflict zones are disproportionately affected
- Who
- Women worldwide
- What
- Experienced intimate partner or sexual violence
- When
- In their lifetime or in the past year
- Where
- Globally, with higher rates in poorer countries and conflict zones
- Why
- Due to societal issues, poverty, and conflict
Advocates for Women's Rights
Skeptics
Prevalence of Violence
Advocates for Women's Rights
The high prevalence of violence against women is a clear indication of the need for more action and resources.
Skeptics
The true extent of the problem may be overestimated due to increased awareness and reporting.
Funding for Prevention Programs
Advocates for Women's Rights
Current funding levels are inadequate and need to be significantly increased.
Skeptics
Other global health issues may be more pressing and deserve higher priority.
- Total women affected by intimate partner violence
- 840 million
- Women affected in the past year
- 316 million
- Women affected by non-partner sexual violence
- 263 million
- Global development aid for prevention programs in 2022
- 0.2%
- Region with the highest rate of intimate partner violence in the past year
- Oceania (38%)