Addressing Gender-Based Violence: Insights from WHO Data

MANILA, 25 November 2025 — In observance of the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, the World Health Organization (WHO) has released updated statistics revealing the troubling prevalence of violence against women and girls worldwide. Approximately one in three females has faced intimate partner or sexual violence within their lifetime, a statistic that has remained relatively unchanged since the year 2000. This highlights a stark reality: despite concerted efforts to eradicate gender-based violence, it continues to pose a major public health and human rights crisis.

Impact on Health and Well-Being

Violence against women and girls has extensive health repercussions, contributing to mental health issues such as depression, physical injuries, and unfavorable reproductive outcomes. Furthermore, it significantly restricts their ability to engage fully in society and achieve their potential.

Regional Insights from the Western Pacific

In the Western Pacific Region, WHO reports that over 25% of girls and women will experience some form of intimate partner or sexual violence in their lifetime. Among women aged 15–49, 9% experienced intimate partner violence within the past year, reflecting substantial variation across countries, with estimates ranging from 1.2% to 42.2%. Additionally, 4.3% reported non-partner sexual violence in the last 12 months, while 9.4% faced such violence at least once in their lives. Alarmingly, certain Pacific island nations report that as many as 50% of women have endured intimate partner violence during their lifetimes, constituting some of the highest rates globally.

Urgent Call for Action

Dr. Saia Ma’u Piukala, WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, emphasized the gravity of the situation: “The scourge of violence against women and girls remains one of the most egregious violations of human rights and a serious threat to health.” He advocates for urgent action based on reliable data to inform policies and bolster preventive measures, ensuring that every girl and woman is both protected and empowered.

Role of Health Systems

The WHO’s findings on Health System Readiness to Respond to Interpersonal Violence suggest positive developments within policy environments. Many nations are now integrating violence prevention strategies into their national multisectoral frameworks, recognizing the critical role health systems play in addressing this pervasive issue.

However, challenges persist. Essential services are often inadequately available, and data systems need strengthening. While some countries incorporate intimate partner violence (IPV) and post-rape care into their health strategies, access to these services is inconsistent. Moreover, comprehensive post-rape care remains limited, and a significant number of countries do not ensure its availability across all regions, leading to geographic disparities in access to care.

The Importance of Data

Dr. Hiromasa Okayasu, Director of the Division of Healthy Environments and Populations at WHO, highlighted the necessity of robust data for effective action: “Every data point represents a person, and every statistic helps us understand where action – including from the health sector – will have the greatest impact.”

Building a Safer Future

WHO urges Member States and their partners to collaborate across various sectors to:

• Integrate gender-based violence prevention into all health and development policies.
• Address IPV and sexual violence comprehensively, ensuring post-rape care is included in national plans.
• Develop health system guidelines that meet international human rights standards.
• Guarantee comprehensive post-rape care services across all administrative regions.
• Enhance training for health workers and improve evidence-based interventions.
• Regularly collect disaggregated data on violence against women and girls to inform policies and raise awareness of this critical issue.

Dr. Piukala notes: “Transforming data into action means turning information into accountability − and accountability into prevention. Each commitment made, policy strengthened, and service delivered moves us closer to a world where all women and girls are safe, healthy, and empowered to thrive.” The path to a safer future begins with today’s decisions.

About WHO in the Western Pacific

The World Health Organization Regional Office for the Western Pacific collaborates with 38 countries and areas to develop resilient health systems. WHO promotes evidence-based policies, training, and advocacy geared towards health promotion, violence prevention, and protection for vulnerable populations.