Global Domestic Violence Stats: What Needs to Change?
In light of the International Criminal Justice Day, we reviewed the latest data from the SIGI 2023 Global Report: Gender Equality in Times of Crisis to see where the world is at with its efforts to ending domestic violence.
What Increases Domestic Violence?
Domestic violence increased drastically during the COVID-19 pandemic, escalated with the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and even spikes during major international football matches in the UK and Europe. This persistent rise underscores a harrowing truth: domestic violence is a constantly evolving crisis that endangers thousands of lives around the world every day.
Domestic violence has been globally present for ages, especially risking lives of women and children who are the most sufferers of this gender-based violence. Although several initiatives have been taken at both international and national level to prevent domestic violence by different governments and civil society organisations, the rate of domestic violence still stands high. 1 in 3 women globally suffer from domestic violence.
What Does the Data Say?
Data suggests some shocking world facts:
86 countries do not criminalise marital rape yet.
48 countries do not criminalise sexual harassment yet.
46 countries do not criminalise domestic violence yet.
These horrific stats are a reminder for the world that despite living in the 21st century we have made little progress in ensuring safety for human beings. Domestic violence affects people of all ages, religions, gender, ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds. The worst of it all, the majority of the cases of domestic violence get unreported due to a myriad of reasons, ranging from lack of knowledge of options/support available and social stigma to lack of appropriate laws to hold the predators accountable and the justice systems that fail the people suffering from domestic violence. Consequently, more and more people continue to suffer.
Unmasking the Root Causes
One of the major root causes of domestic violence is loopholes or lack of appropriate legal frameworks in countries to prevent it. Although global policies, such as the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women (United Nations, 1993), the General recommendation No. 35 of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW, 2017), and the Istanbul Convention (Council of Europe, 2011) are in place, many countries have not adopted the policies and therefore lack comprehensive legal framework to safeguard people suffering from domestic violence.
In many countries as the data suggests marital rape is not included in the definition of rape, domestic abuse is only referred to physical or psychological abuse and sexual harasment is not prohibited. The list of loopholes and lack of legal framework goes on. It’s a recipe for disaster, an epidemic going on for ages.
There is also a huge misconception and lack of understanding about the rights of women and their self-awareness. Surprisingly data from 2023 suggests, women aged 15 to 49 years think that it is acceptable for a husband to beat his wife if she burns the food, argues with him, goes out without telling him, neglects the children or refuses sexual relations. As shocking as it sounds it is the truth and representation of a worldwide issue. The data comes from 9% of women in Europe and 17% of women in the Americas to 32% and 38% in Asia and Africa, respectively.
In addition, patriarchal practices and discriminatory laws limit women empowerment and their participation in the labour force. For instance, in 11 countries, including Cameroon, Chad, Iran, Jordan, Lebanon, Mauritania, Qatar, Sudan, Syria, West Bank and Gaza Strip, and Yemen according to 2023 data – women are required to obtain their husband’s or guardian’s permission to take a paid job. This sort of practice imbalances the power dynamics between men and women, making women more and more vulnerable.
A Glimmer of Hope
Despite the bleak landscape, there is some hope. The SIGI 2023 report highlights 12 countries—Benin, Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, France, Madagascar, Malta, Mexico, Peru, Türkiye, and Uruguay—that have enacted comprehensive laws to address all forms of domestic violence.
It’s about time other countries also adopted such measures to safeguard people from domestic violence.
On the International Criminal Justice Day, that’s what we demand – we ask for appropriate and immediate ACTions. Join us in raising awareness about domestic violence and advocating for effective measures to combat it through empowerment, education, and legislative reform.
Sophia, An Unconventional Tool for Empowerment
In order to empower people suffering from domestic violence with the options of gathering evidence, access information and learning about options to take ACTions, we launched Chatbot Sophia in 2021. Powered by advanced generative AI, Chatbot Sophia offers round-the-clock, multilingual assistance through both text and audio messages. It’s completely anonymous, ensuring safety and confidentiality for the users. So, if you or someone you know is facing abuse, empower yourself today – search Chatbot Sophia.
– Written by Ahona Azad Choyti for Spring ACT
