Gender-based Violence

• Globally, an estimated 736 million women – almost one in three- have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both at least one in their life.
• Almost one in four adolescent girls (age 15-19) who have been in a relationship has experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner.
• More than 5 women or girls are killed every hour (or one every 11 minutes) by someone in their own family.
• The first sexual experience of some 30% of women was forced. 45% of those under 15 at the time of their sexual initiation report the experience was forced.
• Economist Intelligence Unit, the research and analysis division of the Economist Group, found that 38% of women have had personal experiences of online violence, and research shows that the COVID-19 pandemic worsened the situation with increased exposure. 
• Children who grow up in families where there is violence may suffer a range of behavioral and emotional disturbances. These can also be associated with perpetrating or experiencing violence later in life.

Zonta International envisions a world in which no woman lives in fear of violence. For more than 100 years, we have contributed to help achieve a world free of violence against women and girls through service and advocacy. Though many countries have laws against domestic violence, sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence, there are challenges in implementing these laws.

• Global Programme Ending Child Marriage
• Zonta International Projects (1996-2020)
• Zonta Says NO to Violence Against Women
  • Actions & Stories