A new United Nations report reveals that 51,100 women and girls worldwide were killed by intimate partners or family members in 2023. This is an increase from 48,800 deaths in 2022, though experts say the rise is due to better reporting rather than a surge in cases.
The report, jointly prepared by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women, shows that 60% of the 85,000 women and girls intentionally killed last year were victims of intimate partner or family-related violence. This means, on average, 140 women and girls lost their lives daily at the hands of someone they knew and trusted.
Africa recorded the highest number of such deaths, with 21,700 victims, and the highest rate relative to its population at 2.9 per 100,000 people. The Americas and Oceania followed with rates of 1.6 and 1.5 per 100,000, respectively, while Asia and Europe reported lower rates of 0.8 and 0.6 per 100,000.
The report highlights that most of these killings occurred in homes, making them the most dangerous place for women and girls. It stresses that intimate partners and family members are responsible for the majority of female homicides worldwide, showcasing the deeply rooted nature of gender-based violence.
Globally, men account for 80% of all homicide victims, but they are more often killed outside of domestic settings. In contrast, women face the highest risk of fatal violence within their homes, with nearly 60% of the female homicide victims in 2023 being killed by family or intimate partners.
This data underscores the urgent need to address gender-based violence and strengthen protective measures for women and girls. The UN report calls on governments and organizations to invest in preventive measures, support survivors, and enforce stricter legal protections to tackle this crisis.
The findings highlight that no region is immune to this extreme form of violence, reinforcing the need for global action to ensure the safety and well-being of women and girls everywhere.
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