The young mother from Yemen is among the estimated 840 million women worldwide (nearly one in three) who have faced physical or sexual violence at the hands of an intimate partner, such as their ex or current husband.
Worse, this figure has barely changed since 2000, with a paltry 0.2 percent annual decline over the past two decades.
In the last 12 months alone, 11 percent of women ages 15 and older, some 316 million, were subjected to physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner..
A “widespread” injustice
“Violence against women is one of humanity’s oldest and most widespread injustices, but still one of the least acted”said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO).
The lack of progress is documented in a report released Wednesday by the WHO and other UN agencies.
It analyzes data from 168 countries, covering the period from 2000 to 2023, revealing “a A bleak picture of a deeply neglected crisis and a critically insufficient response.”
For the first time, national and regional estimates of sexual violence perpetrated by someone other than a partner (a male relative or friend, for example) are included.
The findings show that 263 million women have suffered sexual violence outside their partner since the age of 15a figure that experts warn is significantly underreported due to stigma and fear.
Financing gap persists
The WHO noted that, despite growing evidence of effective strategies for the prevention of violence against women, financial support continues to be cut.
In 2022, only 0.2 percent of global development aid went to these programs and funding has fallen further.
This comes at a time when humanitarian emergencies, growing inequality and other challenges are putting millions of women and girls at risk.
Violence starts early
According to the report, women subjected to violence face unwanted pregnancies, an increased risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections and experiencing depression.
Furthermore, violence against women begins early and the risks persist throughout life. In the last 12 months alone, 12.5 million young women between the ages of 15 and 19 have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
“Data shows that many women experience intimate partner violence for the first time as teenagers. And Many children grow up seeing their mothers pushed, hit or humiliated, and violence is part of daily life.”said Catherine Russell, executive director of the children’s rights agency UNICEF.
The key is to break this pattern, he added.
Action, support and investment
The report was released ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls, celebrated annually on November 25.
It demands decisive government action and funding to expand evidence-based prevention programs and strengthen health, legal, and social services for survivors.
Countries must also invest in data systems to track progress and reach the most at-risk groups, as well as enforce laws and policies that empower women and girls.
“No society can be called fair, safe or healthy while half of its population lives in fearTedros said.
“Ending this violence is not just a matter of politics; it is a matter of dignity, equality and human rights.”
salma’s dream
Salma* has returned to school, after a judge finally released her to her parents.
She was also referred to a safe space supported by the UN reproductive agency, UNFPA, where she learned her rights and remains steadfast in her dream of becoming a doctor.
“We must urgently act together to end this violence and ensure that every woman and girl, in all their diversity, can exercise their rights, realize their potential and contribute fully to more just, equal and prosperous societies,” said UNFPA Executive Director Diene Keita.
*Name changed for protection.