Domestic violence may seem far away and relatively rare, but it's not - and people all over the world face it regularly.
A worldwide analysis found that more than one in four women, or 27 percent, experience intimate partner violence before they turn 50.
Let's find out more about it.
A study on violence
In a groundbreaking study, involving more than 2 million women from 160 different countries, this research stands as the largest of its kind. Its findings shed light on the alarming prevalence of partner violence against women, a global issue that transcends borders.
This distressing form of violence encompasses both physical and sexual abuse, often inflicted by husbands, boyfriends, or any form of intimate partners.
The analysis also highlighted that one in seven women, or 13 percent, experienced intimate partner violence within the last year of the study period, spanning from 2000 to 2018.
The study indicated that violence against young women is also concerning, estimating that 24 percent of those aged 15-19 have experienced domestic violence in their lifetime.
It's important to note that these numbers might be even higher because many women may not report their experiences due to the stigma surrounding this issue.
The study uncovered variations among regions, revealing that wealthier countries experienced fewer cases of intimate partner violence.
On the other hand, regions like Africa, South Asia, and parts of South America reported the highest lifetime prevalence of this issue among women aged 15 to 49.
While Canada fares better in comparison to many nations with lower rates of intimate partner violence, it still affects approximately 1 in 25 women in the country.
Why it's important
The study underscores the need for stronger responses to address intimate partner violence, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which likely exacerbated the problem.
