Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is among the most universal and pervasive human rights violations, affecting at least a billion women across the globe. Recent estimates suggest that approximately 35 percent of women worldwide have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from their partners, or non-partner sexual violence – just a few of the highly prevalent forms of violence. VAWG takes many forms, including physical and emotional abuse, forced and unwanted sex, early and forced marriage, female genital cutting, trafficking and deprivation of resources and rights.

 

Women and girls face violence at home, in school, on the street, at work, on public transportation and online. They experience violence in times of peace and times of conflict or war.  The risk is intersectional, meaning that some women and girls face heightened risk of experiencing physical or sexual violence, including those married before age 18, living in conflict and fragility, with low levels of education or who are sexual and gender minorities.

 

The good news is that VAWG is preventable, and emerging research is beginning to demonstrate the most effective ways to stem the cycle of violence. Several strategies are showing success, including those that change the acceptability of violence, address violent masculinity and transform gender dynamics within households and communities.