Partners, family members killed 137 women each day in 2024: UN

In the world, more than 50, 000 women and girls were murdered by intimate partners or family members in 2024, the equivalent of one fatality every 137 days, according to a new report.

The UNODC and UN Women’s report, released on Tuesday to mark the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, warned that femicide continues to cost tens of thousands of lives annually and has “no sign of real progress.”

In total, 83, 000 women and girls were intentionally murdered worldwide last year, with 60% of those deaths occurring as victims of partners or close friends.

In contrast, only 11% of male homicide victims were killed by their families or close friends.

The report argues that while many killings can be prevented, gaps in protection, police response, and social support systems increase the risk of fatal violence for women and girls.

The statistics are regarded as being underestimating because of poor data collection in many nations, survivors’ fear of reporting violence, and outdated legal terminology that makes cases difficult to identify.

According to experts, women who are confined to abusive situations may be more vulnerable to risks due to economic instability, conflict, forced displacement, and limited access to safe housing.

Over a large number of women and girls around the world still reside in the home, according to John Brandolino, acting executive director of UNODC.

He added that stronger prevention initiatives and criminal justice initiatives are needed in light of the findings.

Feminists frequently sit on a “continuum of violence,” according to Sarah Hendriks, director of UN Women’s policy division. These can begin with controlling behavior, harassment, and online abuse.

She claimed that “digital violence frequently doesn’t stay online.” It can worsen offline and cause fatal harm, according to the author.

Africa, in the opinion of the report, had the highest regional rate of intimate partner or family member femicidity, followed by the Americas, Oceania, Asia, and Europe.

According to UN Women, early warning signs of violence must be identified through coordinated efforts between schools, workplaces, public services, and local communities.

Additionally, the campaigners demanded more money from governments for services like shelters, legal aid, and other specific support.