Violence against women is a grave violation of human rights. It comes in many forms and its impacts are deep. 

Women of all ages, race, culture and socio-economic situations experience domestic or intimate partner violence, sexual harassment and assault, female genital mutilation, trafficking, sexual violence in conflict and gender-related killings. In fact, it is estimated that 35% of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their life.

These forms of violence result in immediate and long-term physical, sexual and mental health consequences, while also preventing women from fully participating in society. Violence not only has negative consequences for women but also families, communities and countries at large.

While decades of campaigning has put ending gender-based violence high on national and international agendas, there is still not enough being done to prevent violence.

UN Women works to prevent and respond to violence against women across the globe by:

• Expanding access to services, such as mental, physical and sexual health care, post-rape care and counselling;
• Implementing initiatives to address sexual harassment and other forms of sexual violence in public spaces;
• Improving knowledge and providing guidance around implementing laws, policies and programs; and
• Advocating to end violence against women through the Secretary General’s UNiTE to end violence against women campaign.