WHO report highlights one in three women face physical or sexual violence globally

The World Health Organization’s (WHO) new report (based on data from 2000 to 2018) has highlighted that one in three women has faced physical or sexual violence by a life partner or non-partner a number that has remained to a great extent unaltered over the previous decade. The situation deteriorated during the coronavirus pandemic stay-at-home rules.

The WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus says, violence against females is endemic in each nation and society, which causes trauma to several females and their families, and has been worsened by the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, he added.

The most predominant type of brutality against ladies internationally is intimate partner violence (influencing around 641 million women). But, 6% of ladies worldwide report a sexual attack by somebody other than their better half, boyfriend, or acquaintance. Given the undeniable degrees of less reporting due to various stigmas and society pressure, many such sexual cases of abuse are left unreported, thus the actual figure is probably going to be higher. 

Various nations have witnessed expanded reporting of partner sexual or physical brutality to helplines, teachers, healthcare workers, police, and other specialist organizations amid lockdowns. However, the full impact of the lockdown on such events will be established after a survey is conducted, the report states.

The increased violence against women can have a very deep impact on their physical and mental health and trouble them throughout their lifetime. The aftermaths of the violence can cause post-traumatic stress disorder, nightmares, anxiety, distress, and depression. In many cases, if the trauma patient is left untreated, it can lead to suicidal thoughts as many suffer from unplanned pregnancy, rape, physical violence, and later unaccepted by society.