Ending violence against women and girls

What is violence against women and girls?

Violence against women and girls is all too prevalent in the world. It crosses cultures, economic status and ethnicity and affects communities worldwide. The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women.” It takes many forms; domestic abuse, trafficking, sexual assault, rape, or harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting.

The effects of these violent acts can be devastating, and the women and girls who survive them often have to live with physical and mental trauma, and in some cases physical disabilities or permanent damage to their sexual and reproductive health. The ripples of violence reach families, communities and nations; damaging lives forever. This is why World Vision works and campaigns to end violence against women and girls.

Protecting women and girls from harm

For over 70 years, we've partnered with communities and local leaders to ensure women and girls are protected from violence and abuse.

Cambodian school girl standing in the centre in front of four other Cambodia girls

Community action

Prevention of violence against women and girls must start long before an emergency occurs. A key part of our work with communities is strengthening child protection systems, promoting the rights of women and girls and bringing men and boys alongside as allies and advocates.

The first step is to raise awareness and create a culture where it’s the default to support women. Children and adults can learn about children’s safety through child parliaments, girls' clubs and child protection committees, which also give a platform for their voices to be heard.

12-year-old girl from Haiti reading a card from her sponsor with her friend in school

Empowerment through education

We believe education is the right of every child and, for girls, it can change the course of their lives immensely. By offering education, we help girls access the tools they need to succeed in life and break the cycle of poverty.

This can mean that they don’t need to rely on a husband at a young age, are able to support themselves and can help remove them from potentially harmful situations. We also implement child-friendly spaces wherever it’s needed, which can help children stay out of danger and relieve their parents whilst giving them a safe space during a crisis, where support is offered.

Survivor support

Although preventative action can help women and girls be protected in the future, we also need to offer support for those who have already been affected. We refer to women and children who have experienced violence and sexual abuse as survivors and not victims. However, the journey from 'victim' to 'survivor' requires patience and support, psychological and medical assistance and the promise of hope for the future.

Thanks to our supporters, World Vision can offer that and work alongside whole communities to ensure that the next generation of girls grow up safer.

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Statistics about violence against women

Violence against women – particularly intimate partner violence and sexual violence – is a fundamental human rights violation. Globally, it is estimated that 736 million women—almost one in three— have faced physical and/or sexual violence. Shockingly, approximately 15 million adolescent girls (aged 15 to 19) have experienced forced sex at some point in their lives.

640 million

women aged 15 and older have experienced intimate partner violence

200 million

girls and women alive today have undergone female genital mutilation (FGM)

15 million

adolescent girls, aged 15–19 years, have experienced forced sex

Grace, a former child soldier from South Sudan, sits at a sewing machine provided by World Vision — Grace, a former child soldier from South Sudan, now helps protect children from armed groups

Targeted by those closest to them

The worrying thing is, these violent and/or sexual attacks often come from those closest to the survivors. More than 640 million of women aged 15 and older have been subjected to intimate partner violence.

This problem is one that’s entirely too real in child marriages, where “girls married before the age of 15 are almost 50% more likely to have experienced either physical or sexual intimate partner violence than those married after 18.” - Girls Not Brides

Violence against the already vulnerable

Although violence against women is prevalent across the world, it disproportionally affects low-income countries and becomes more intense in emergency or conflict situations. As stability, female protection and family are replaced by chaos, stress and displacement, vulnerable women and girls are increasingly at risk.

In a study by World Vision, a 40% surge in child helpline calls in Bangladesh were noted following the Covid lockdown. Over half of those interviewed expressed their concern about the safety and security of girls.

During the escalation of conflict in the Ethiopian Tigray region there were 108 reports of sexual violence against women and children in just a period of two months.

You can help end violence against women and girls

There are a range of ways you can help end sexual violence around the world. You could lend your voice both in real life and on social media to causes and events such as the International Day to End Violence Against Women, and you could also support charities that protect women.

From working to stop forced marriage to ending sexual violence in conflict, World Vision is targeting all levels of discrimination, sexual violence, and domestic abuse against women. By sponsoring a girl or donating to World Vision, you'll be joining thousands of people who are ensuring girls and women are protected.

Find out more about sponsoring a girl and how you can make a difference.

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