Regional estimates: violence against women and girls, a persistent reality in the Americas

This fact sheet presents the new estimates of the prevalence of violence against women in the Region of the Americas for the period 2000–2023, developed by PAHO/WHO. The data show the magnitude and persistence of physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by an intimate partner or ex-partner, as well as sexual violence perpetrated by others. The estimates are based on comparable information from population-based surveys and national studies. The fact sheet includes lifetime and past 12-month results, along with a combined measure of both types of violence, intimate partner violence and sexual violence perpetrated by others. These data are essential for monitoring progress toward the elimination of violence against women and girls and for guiding evidence-based policies and programs. The findings confirm that, despite normative progress, violence against women remains a major public health and human rights issue. The publication calls on Member States to strengthen national strategies for prevention and response, invest in accessible and quality essential services, improve intersectoral protection mechanisms, and promote egalitarian social norms. These regional estimates contribute to efforts to achieve target 5.2 of the Sustainable Development Goals and reaffirm the Region’s commitment to the right of women and girls to live free from violence. These estimates have been produced by WHO on behalf of the custodians of Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 5.2 and the United Nations Inter-Agency Working Group on Violence against Women Data and Estimation.