Violence Against Women Remains a Global Crisis

As the world observes the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, updated data from the World Health Organization (WHO) reveal that violence against women and girls remains alarmingly widespread. Globally, nearly one in three women and girls have experienced intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetime – a figure largely unchanged since 2000. This highlights a stark reality: despite ongoing efforts, gender-based violence persists as a serious human rights violation and public health emergency, yet it is preventable.

Violence profoundly impacts women’s health and development, contributing to depression, injury, poor reproductive outcomes, and limiting their ability to fully participate in society.

Gender-Based Violence in the WHO Western Pacific Region
In the WHO Western Pacific Region, over a quarter of women have experienced some form of intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetime. In the past 12 months, 9.0% of women aged 15–49 reported intimate partner violence (IPV), with national estimates ranging from 1.2% to 42.2%. Non-partner sexual violence affected 4.3% of women in the last year and 9.4% over their lifetime. While overall IPV prevalence is slightly lower than the global average, certain Pacific island nations report rates as high as 50%, among the highest in the world.

Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, emphasized, “The scourge of violence against women and girls remains one of the most egregious human rights violations. Governments and communities must use data to drive stronger policies, scale up prevention efforts, and ensure health systems are ready, so every girl and woman is protected and empowered.”

Health System Readiness is Key
WHO surveys indicate that while many countries are integrating violence prevention into national plans, challenges remain. Gaps exist in service availability, geographic access, and data collection. Comprehensive post-rape care is limited, and only a few nations provide these services across all regions. Regular, disaggregated data on violence against women are critical for monitoring, accountability, and targeted intervention.

Dr. Hiromasa Okayasu of WHO stated, “Every statistic represents a person, and every data point shows where health systems and policies can have the greatest impact. Governments and health sectors must lead efforts to prevent violence, provide survivor-centred services, and train healthcare providers to respond effectively.”

Building Safer Futures
WHO calls on Member States and partners to work across sectors to:

• Integrate gender-based violence prevention and response into all health and development policies.
• Address IPV and sexual violence comprehensively, including post-rape care in national plans.
• Develop health system guidelines aligned with human rights standards and WHO recommendations.
• Ensure access to post-rape care across all regions.
• Expand health worker training, surveillance systems, and evidence-based interventions.
• Collect regular, disaggregated data to guide policy and strengthen accountability.

Dr. Piukala added, “Transforming data into action means turning information into accountability – and accountability into prevention. Every policy strengthened, service delivered, and commitment made moves us closer to a world where all women and girls are safe, healthy, and empowered. Building safer futures begins with the decisions we make today.”

With sustained action, investment in health systems, and cross-sector collaboration, the global community can take meaningful steps toward ending gender-based violence and ensuring women and girls can live free from fear.