New WHO report shows violence against women is a global ‘epidemic’

A new report by the World Health Organisation shows that more than a third of women worldwide are victims of physical or sexual violence, labelling the problem a global health epidemic.

The report, Global and regional estimates of violence against women: prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence, released on June 21, shows that 37.7 per cent of women in Southeast Asia have experienced physical or sexual violence (see infographic here).

In the Western Pacific region, the rate was 24.6 per cent, however the report noted that new studies that were not available when the report was compiled showed rates as high as 68 per cent.

Intimate partner violence is the most common form of violence facing women worldwide, the report stated.

The report details a number of recommendations for the health sector and called for better reporting and prevention strategies to be implemented globally.