By Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, WHO Regional Director for South-East Asia
Everyone has the right to a life free of violence and coercion. However, WHOās most recent estimates, launched in March 2021, show that almost 1 in 3 women worldwide experiences physical and/or sexual violence in her lifetime. Most of this is in the form of intimate partner violenceāin other words, women are at greatest risks from people they live with. Estimates suggest the South-East Asia Region ranks second highest, at around 33%.
Everyone has the right to a life free of violence and coercion. However, WHOās most recent estimates, launched in March 2021, show that almost 1 in 3 women worldwide experiences physical and/or sexual violence in her lifetime. Most of this is in the form of intimate partner violenceāin other words, women are at greatest risks from people they live with. Estimates suggest the South-East Asia Region ranks second highest, at around 33%.
Violence against women, especially intimate partner violence, has serious health impacts, both immediate and long term. These encompass injuries as well as serious physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health problems, including sexually transmitted infections, HIV and unplanned pregnancies as well as mental health problems. The very high prevalence of violence against women and its significant health impacts place it among todayās priority public health issues. In addition, it is a grievous violation of womenās and girlsā human rights.