One woman killed every 10 minutes by partner or relative in 2023: UN report

A joint report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women revealed alarming statistics on violence against women in 2023.

According to the report, one woman or girl was killed by a partner or relative every 10 minutes, underscoring the persistent global crisis of femicide.

In 2023, nearly 85,000 women and girls were murdered, with over 51,000—around 60%—losing their lives to partners or relatives. This translates to approximately 140 women killed every day by those closest to them.

"The home remains the most dangerous place for women and girls in terms of lethal victimization," the report noted.

While men were more likely to be victims of homicide, forming 80% of all cases last year, they were predominantly killed by strangers.

Africa bore the brunt of the crisis, with 21,700 women killed by intimate partners or family members. Europe and Asia recorded the lowest femicide rates, with Europe reporting 2,300 cases in absolute numbers.

Despite efforts in some regions, femicide rates remain "alarmingly high" due to entrenched gender inequality and harmful stereotypes.

UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly emphasized the need to address gender biases, power imbalances, and societal norms that perpetuate violence against women. Measures like restraining orders have shown promise, with data from countries like France suggesting femicides often follow repeated violence.

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous called for stronger legislation, increased government accountability, and enhanced funding for women’s rights organizations to combat this crisis.

Additionally, she stressed the importance of better data collection from national sources, including media reports, and fostering a "zero-tolerance culture" toward violence against women.

The report, based on data from 107 countries or territories, coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women.