Violence against women

Violence against women is "violence that is directed at a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately". It continues to persist as one of the most heinous, systematic and prevalent human rights abuses in the world. It is a threat to all women, and an obstacle to all efforts for development, peace, and gender equality in all societies. Each year across the UK, three million women experience violence and there are many more living with the legacies of abuse experienced in the past.

In the UK it includes: domestic violence, rape and sexual violence, sexual harassment, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, crimes in the name of honour, trafficking and sexual exploitation. It is mostly committed by men that women know or are in a close relationship with.

What's the cost of violence against women?

Violence causes physical damage ranging from death in extreme cases to miscarriages, broken limbs, and cuts and bruises. Women also suffer scarring and physical disability and sexual offences bring the risk of HIV, sexually transmitted diseases and forced pregnancies. Violence can also cause lasting psychological damage.

It is estimated that violence against women costs society £40 billion each year. The direct cost to the economy of domestic violence alone in England and Wales in one year is £6 billion. In addition, the human and emotional cost is estimated at £17 billion. The cost of sexual offences in a year is estimated to be £8.46 billion, with each rape costing an estimated £76,000.

If you are a victim of sexual or domestic abuse, call:

This page was last updated on 1 May 2012