UN Report: One Woman Killed by a Partner or Relative Every 10 Minutes in 2023

A woman was killed by a partner or relative every 10 minutes worldwide in 2023, according to a stark warning from the United Nations. A joint report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women revealed that femicides remain at alarmingly high levels globally, fueled by deep-rooted gender inequality and harmful stereotypes.

The report, published Monday, disclosed that 85,000 women and girls were murdered last year, with approximately 60 percent (51,000 deaths) caused by partners or relatives. This equates to 140 women killed each day by those closest to them, underscoring the home as the most dangerous place for women and girls.

A Global Crisis

While men accounted for 80 percent of overall homicide victims globally, their deaths were more likely to result from violence perpetrated by strangers. In contrast, the majority of female victims were killed by someone they knew.

The regional breakdown highlights Africa as the worst-affected region, with 21,700 women killed by intimate partners or relatives in 2023. Europe reported the lowest rates, with 2,300 such murders, followed by Asia.

Persistent Inequality and Missed Prevention

The UN attributed these grim statistics to gender biases, power imbalances, and cultural norms that perpetuate violence against women. UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly emphasized the urgent need to tackle the structural issues enabling such violence:

“We must confront and dismantle the gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful norms that perpetuate violence against women.”

UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous pointed to the critical importance of prevention, calling for robust legislation, stricter government accountability, and increased funding for women’s rights organizations.

The report identified femicides as often being the “culmination of repeated episodes of violence,” suggesting that preventative measures—such as restraining orders and early interventions—could save lives.

Call to Action

The findings, based on data from 107 countries and territories, highlight the urgent need for improved systems of accountability. Bahous underscored the role of better data collection, including media reports, and the fostering of a zero-tolerance culture toward violence against women.

The report coincides with the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, serving as a somber reminder of the global epidemic of gender-based violence and the need for collective action to protect women and girls.