Violence against women and girls is a violation of their fundamental human rights, an affront to human dignity and a serious threat to their health and well-being. It impedes their civic engagement and role in development; it generates instability and makes peace harder to achieve.

One of every three women has been subjected to physical, emotional and/or verbal abuse in her lifetime. More than 600 million women are living in countries where domestic abuse is not against the law. In countries where it is outlawed, gender-based violence still tops the list of civil crimes. Denying women access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, is another form of violence and a further violation of their rights.

Violence against women and girls is a violation of their fundamental human rights, an affront to human dignity and a serious threat to their health and well-being. It impedes their civic engagement and role in development; it generates instability and makes peace harder to achieve.

One of every three women has been subjected to physical, emotional and/or verbal abuse in her lifetime. More than 600 million women are living in countries where domestic abuse is not against the law. In countries where it is outlawed, gender-based violence still tops the list of civil crimes. Denying women access to sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning, is another form of violence and a further violation of their rights.