Violence against women and girls remains a pervasive and alarming issue in the Americas, as highlighted by new estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO) and its UN partners. The data, unveiled ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25, reveals that one in three women aged 15 and older in the region has endured physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. Intimate partner violence is the most prevalent form, affecting one in four women aged 15-49, while one in eight has experienced sexual violence from someone other than a partner. Young women are particularly vulnerable, with 21% of those aged 15-19 facing partner violence before turning 20, and older women are not exempt, as 23% of those aged 65 and above report similar abuse. Dr. Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), emphasized that these figures underscore the preventable nature of violence and the urgent need for high-quality data to drive action. Despite increased awareness and policy efforts, progress has been minimal, with intimate partner violence rates remaining largely unchanged over the past two decades. The report, which analyzes data from 2000 to 2023 across 168 countries, including 29 in the Americas, highlights the severe and long-lasting impacts of violence, including physical injuries, mental health issues, and intergenerational cycles of abuse. PAHO is actively supporting countries through evidence-based strategies like the RESPECT framework, which focuses on prevention, empowerment, and systemic change. As part of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence, PAHO will host a hybrid event on November 24, 2025, to discuss effective interventions and foster regional collaboration. Dr. Barbosa stressed that violence against women is a shared regional priority requiring sustained investment and commitment to eliminate this pervasive issue.
Study shows 1 in 3 women over 15 experienced physical or sexual violence at some point
