Violence against women and girls – what the data tell us | World Bank Gender Data Portal (original) (raw)

Non-partner sexual violence

In addition to violence from intimate partners, non-partner sexual violence (NPSV) poses a risk to women’s safety and bodily integrity. NPSV refers to acts of sexual violence committed by any person that is not a current or former husband or male intimate partner. NPSV can be perpetrated by a family member, friend, acquaintance, or stranger. Since all women can be exposed to this type of violence, the denominator for calculations includes all women and not only those who have ever been married or had an intimate partner.

Worldwide, an estimated 6% of women and girls aged 15 to 49 years have been subject to sexual violence from a non-partner at least once since age 15.

6% OF WOMEN WORLDWIDE HAVE BEEN SUBJECT TO SEXUAL VIOLENCE FROM A NON-PARTNER.

The reported occurrence of NPSV is very different to intimate partner violence. It is more common in higher-income economies, especially Australia and New Zealand, where it has affected 19% of women, and North America, where 15% of women have been affected (WHO). In contrast, the estimated prevalence rates in Southern Asia (2%) and Sub-Saharan Africa (6%) are much lower.

However, these estimates need to be interpreted with caution. This form of violence is also stigmatized, and in traditional or patriarchal societies, survivors are often blamed and so might avoid disclosure to reduce potential consequences. As such, actual rates are likely to be much higher than estimated for low- and middle-income economies (WHO).

Drivers of sexual violence

The drivers of violence against women are complex and multi-faceted. Research has identified several factors at the individual, family, community, and national level that are associated with higher risks of experiencing IPV.

Growing up in an abusive household can create a cycle of violence. Studies show that boys who witness their mothers being abused are more likely to become perpetrators of IPV later in life and girls who witness the same are twice as likely to experience IPV in adulthood (Kishor and Johnson 2004). Experience of childhood family aggression communicates the acceptability of family aggression, increasing the likelihood of its occurrence in the next generation (Kalmuss, D. 1984).

A woman’s risk of experiencing IPV differs by type of marriage. Polygamous marriage (where one person has multiple spouses) and getting married before the age of 18 each increase the odds by 22%. A husband that often drinks to excess is also dangerous, increasing a woman’s risk fivefold (Voice and Agency report).

A HUSBAND THAT DRINKS TO EXCESS INCREASES A WOMAN’S RISK OF INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE FIVEFOLD.

Cultural norms, laws, and individual attitudes are deeply intertwined and shape the acceptability of violence against women. In economies where IPV is outlawed, women’s acceptance of it is lower, and fewer women experience violence (Voice and Agency report). In contrast, in economies such as Guinea, Mali and Timor-Leste, more than 3 in 4 people think that wife beating is justified, for as little as burning the food or going out without telling their husband. Women who agree with these justifications for wife beating are 45% more likely to experience violence (Voice and Agency report).

Sexual violence is more prevalent in areas experiencing conflict. In these situations, unequal gender norms can be predominant and unchallenged. Other unstable situations, such as displacement and natural disasters, can also increase sexual violence. For example, a multi-economy study found that forcibly displaced women in Colombia and Liberia were at 40% and 55% greater risk, respectively, of experiencing IPV in the past year compared to non-displaced women (World Bank).

Consequences of gender based violence

Violence causes lifelong damages to women, affecting their physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health.

Physical consequences associated with experiencing IPV include acute injuries, chronic pain, gastrointestinal illness, gynaecological problems, substance abuse, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, a two- to three-fold increased risk of depression (Beydoun, Hind A et al., World Bank), and even suicide (Devries, Karen et al.).

IPV has severe consequences for women’s reproductive control and health. Two decades of research have documented that IPV is linked to adverse reproductive outcomes for women and girls. In some studies, women subjected to IPV are twice as likely to report an unintended pregnancy than women who do not experience violence in their relationships (Silverman and Raj, 2014). One study found that women in Ukraine, Moldova and Azerbaijan who have experienced IPV not only had higher risk of unintended pregnancies, but also a higher risk of their last pregnancy ending in abortion or an unwanted baby (USAID).

A global pandemic requiring local solutions

The data are clear: gender based violence is a pandemic. Thirty years since the landmark UN CEDAW commitment to end all forms of violence against women and girls, the problem remains immense. Understanding the prevalence of sexual violence and associated risk factors, however, is only the first step in developing essential prevention and support services for survivors.

The challenge is to put those data into action to help women and girls (World Bank). Combining data sources and examining multiple risk factors can help understand why violence against women and girls is still so pervasive.

Gender based violence is more prevalent when there are no legal consequences, sexist and patriarchal cultural norms, and in humanitarian emergencies or conflict. Younger people are more at risk, as are girls who grow up in abusive households. Women who married before 18 or are one of many wives are also more at risk.

Addressing these risk factors will require a close look at local circumstances as effective prevention and survivor services are built on contextual knowledge. An upcoming data story will look at successful interventions and how they potentially enable better outcomes for survivors of gender based violence. Such initiatives and investments are fundamental for effective protection for women and girls against violence.

Note: Portrait within header image from Cavan-Images/Shutterstock.com.