In 2023, an average of 140 women and girls were killed daily by intimate partners or family members, totaling approximately 51,100 victims worldwide, according to a report by UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime. This marks an increase from 48,800 in 2022, attributed to improved data collection rather than a rise in killings.
The report highlights that women are disproportionately affected by lethal violence in private spheres, with nearly 60% of female homicide victims killed by someone close to them. Africa recorded the highest number of such killings, both in total and per capita (2.9 per 100,000 people). Rates in the Americas and Oceania were also high, while Asia and Europe reported significantly lower figures.
The UN emphasized that these killings are preventable with timely interventions and called for addressing root causes, such as gender stereotypes and societal norms that perpetuate violence. UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, urged leaders to use their power to prevent violence, rather than perpetuate it.
Despite ongoing efforts, the report underscores the need for stronger measures to combat this persistent form of gender-based violence.
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