Intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence women face, with 27% of women aged 15–49 reporting abuse by a partner at some point in their lives. This type of violence, which includes physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviors, often leaves deep physical and psychological scars. Moreover, sexual violence—whether perpetrated by a partner or someone else—inflicts profound harm, including physical injury, mental health challenges, and long-term societal repercussions.

The impacts of such violence are multifaceted, affecting women's physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Survivors are at increased risk of unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (including HIV), depression, and anxiety. Pregnant women subjected to violence face higher chances of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term delivery, and low birth weight. Beyond these direct effects, violence disrupts social and economic stability, isolating women and limiting their ability to work, care for their families, or participate fully in society.

Children exposed to family violence often face behavioral and emotional challenges, with long-term consequences for their well-being. Studies have linked exposure to violence during childhood to higher rates of perpetration or victimization later in life. Additionally, communities bear significant social and economic costs due to violence against women, ranging from healthcare expenditures to lost productivity and societal unrest.

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the problem, with lockdowns and economic pressures increasing women's exposure to abusive partners. Humanitarian crises and displacement further intensify vulnerabilities, creating conditions for both intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence.

Addressing this global crisis requires a holistic approach. Efforts to combat violence against women include the RESPECT framework developed by WHO and UN Women. This initiative outlines strategies such as empowering women, strengthening relationship skills, and creating enabling environments to prevent violence. Interventions like community mobilization, school-based education programs, and combined economic and social empowerment initiatives have shown promise in reducing violence and promoting gender equality.

The health sector plays a pivotal role in responding to and preventing violence. Healthcare providers can act as first responders, offering comprehensive care, ensuring empathetic support for survivors, and connecting them with necessary services. By integrating education on egalitarian gender norms and fostering early identification of violence, healthcare systems can help break the cycle of abuse.

Legislation and policies promoting gender equality, coupled with investments in women's rights organizations, are crucial for sustainable change. Governments and global organizations must allocate resources to prevention and response efforts, while also supporting research to better understand the problem and identify effective interventions.

The WHO, in collaboration with partners, continues to lead global efforts to eradicate violence against women. By building evidence, developing guidelines, and strengthening health systems, these organizations aim to create a safer, more equitable world. Initiatives like the Action Coalition on Gender-based Violence unite governments, civil society, and private sectors in a collective commitment to ending violence against women.

The path forward requires a unified effort to challenge societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality and violence. Empowering women, fostering gender equality, and prioritizing survivor safety are fundamental to addressing this pervasive issue. Violence against women is preventable, and with concerted global action, it is possible to create a future where all women live free from fear and violence.