A UN report reveals that 60% of the 85,000 women and girls killed globally in 2023 were victims of intimate partners or family members, highlighting the home as the deadliest place for women
Home, a place meant to offer safety and sanctuary, has tragically become the deadliest environment for women and girls worldwide, according to a recent United Nations report. The findings highlight the alarming scale of gender-based violence in 2023, with devastating consequences that demand urgent global action.
The report, released by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, reveals that approximately 85,000 women and girls were killed worldwide in 2023. Shockingly, 60%—an estimated 51,000—of these deaths were caused by intimate partners or family members. This equates to an average of 140 women and girls killed every day by those closest to them.
“Women and girls everywhere continue to be affected by this extreme form of gender-based violence, and no region is excluded,” the report states. “The home is the most dangerous place for women and girls.”
Global Disparities in Femicide
The report identifies Africa as the region with the highest number of victims. In 2023 alone, 21,700 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members on the continent, translating to 2.9 victims per 100,000 population—the highest rate globally.
The Americas also recorded troubling figures, with a rate of 1.6 female victims per 100,000 population, while Oceania followed closely at 1.5 per 100,000. Asia, home to the largest share of the world’s population, reported a lower rate of 0.8 per 100,000, and Europe had the lowest at 0.6 per 100,000.
However, even in regions with comparatively lower rates, the numbers underscore a pervasive issue. For instance, in Europe and the Americas, most femicides occurred in the private sphere, emphasizing the vulnerability of women within their homes. In contrast, male homicides are largely tied to public spaces, highlighting the gendered nature of violence.
Patterns of Violence: The Intimate Threat
The report underscores a sobering disparity: while men and boys represent the majority of homicide victims globally, women and girls disproportionately face lethal violence in private settings. This distinction reflects the deeply rooted societal and cultural norms that perpetuate unequal power dynamics within households and relationships.
“Violence against women is a societal problem deeply embedded in patriarchal structures,” says Karen Bardsley, a gender violence researcher. “The home becomes a space where power is abused and where women often have the least agency.”
This disparity is particularly stark in regions like Africa, where cultural, economic, and legal barriers often hinder efforts to address gender-based violence. Structural inequalities exacerbate women’s vulnerability, leaving them trapped in abusive environments.
Root Causes: Beyond Statistics
Understanding the drivers of femicide requires looking beyond the numbers. Key factors include:
- Patriarchal Norms: Societies where gender roles are rigidly defined and where women’s autonomy is restricted often see higher rates of intimate partner violence.
- Economic Dependency: Women with limited access to education and employment are more likely to remain in abusive relationships due to financial constraints.
- Lack of Legal Protections: In many regions, inadequate legal frameworks and weak enforcement mechanisms fail to hold perpetrators accountable.
- Conflict Zones: Violence against women often escalates in areas affected by war or political instability, where societal structures break down.
The Human Cost of Inaction
The ripple effects of such violence extend far beyond the victims themselves. Families and communities are left traumatized, children grow up witnessing abuse, and societies bear the economic burden of healthcare costs, lost productivity, and legal proceedings. According to the World Health Organization, gender-based violence costs economies billions of dollars annually, making it not just a moral and social issue but also an economic one.
Despite these staggering consequences, progress in reducing femicide remains slow. While global awareness campaigns and policy changes have led to some improvements, the overall trends show that much work remains to be done.
Regional Highlights: A Closer Look
- Africa: Cultural taboos often prevent women from reporting violence. In countries like Uganda, cases like the tragic murder of Olympian Cheptegei by her boyfriend illustrate the lethal consequences of unchecked abuse.
- Americas: Latin America continues to struggle with high rates of femicide, with countries like Mexico reporting thousands of cases annually. Advocacy groups are pushing for stronger enforcement of laws against gender violence.
- Europe: Despite having the lowest femicide rates, Europe faces challenges in addressing the hidden nature of domestic violence, which often goes unreported.
- Asia: Economic progress has not necessarily translated into safer environments for women. In South Asia, dowry disputes and honor killings remain pervasive.
- Oceania: Limited resources and geographic isolation hinder efforts to address intimate partner violence in countries like Papua New Guinea.
Lastly, the UN report is a stark reminder of the persistent and deadly nature of gender-based violence. It is a call to action for governments, organizations, and individuals to address the structural inequalities and cultural norms that perpetuate this crisis. As the world marks another International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the challenge is clear: turn awareness into action and ensure that home becomes a place of safety, not danger, for women and girls everywhere.
