More than 1 billion women and children across the world are exposed to violence

Embargoed until: Publicly released: 2025-12-10 10:30

Australia; New Zealand; International; NSW; VIC; QLD; SA; WA; ACT

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Over 1 billion people across the world experienced sexual violence during childhood, and 608 million women have been exposed to intimate partner violence, according to international and Australian researchers. The study found that 15-19% of women in Australia had experienced intimate partner violence, while in NZ the numbers were slightly higher at 20-24%. Around 25-29% of girls had experienced sexual violence in Australia and NZ, while for boys the rates were 15-19% in Australia and 20-24% in NZ. The authors say that these startling figures underscore an urgent need for preventive measures and they stress that addressing violence against women and children is not only a matter of human rights but also a crucial public health priority that can save millions of lives, improve mental health outcomes, and build resilient communities.

Media release

From: The Lancet

The Lancet: More than 1 billion women and children exposed to violence worldwide in 2023

In 2023, an estimated 608 million women aged 15 and older experienced intimate partner violence (IPV), which includes physical and sexual abuse by current or former partners. Meanwhile, over 1 billion females aged 15 and older were exposed to sexual violence during childhood, according to a comprehensive new Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study published in The Lancet. These experiences are strongly associated with a range of long-term health conditions, including depression and anxiety, chronic illnesses, and increased risk of premature death.

The research also uncovered stark geographical disparities. The highest prevalence rates of IPV and sexual violence are concentrated in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where high rates of HIV and other chronic conditions compound the health impacts of violence. Regions with weaker healthcare systems and limited legal protections for women and children exposed to violence face even greater challenges in addressing and preventing these harms.

While the study found that high-income countries (HICs) tend to have lower overall prevalence rates, they still face substantial challenges, with IPV and sexual violence ranking among the top risk factors for disease burden, especially among young adults aged 15-49. Factors such as substance use disorders and noncommunicable diseases in wealthier nations contribute to the significant health impacts of violence.

The authors say that these startling figures underscore an urgent need for preventive measures, including strengthening legal frameworks, promoting gender equality, and expanding support services for survivors to reduce the health toll caused by exposure to violence. They emphasise that addressing violence against women and children is not only a matter of human rights but also a crucial public health priority that can save millions of lives, improve mental health outcomes, and build resilient communities.

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Journal/
conference: The Lancet

Research:Paper

Organisation/s: George Institute for Global Health, The University of New South Wales, The University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney (UTS), The Australian National University, The University of Queensland, Western Sydney University, Curtin University, Charles Sturt University, The University of Newcastle, James Cook University, La Trobe University, Queensland University of Technology, University of Adelaide, Monash University, Macquarie University, Flinders University, Griffith University,University of Washington, USA

Funder: This study was funded by the Gates Foundation

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