New Analysis Shows 1 in 4 Adolescent Girls Experience Intimate Partner Violence.
A new report from the World Health Organization (WHO) published in "The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health" reveals that nearly 19 million adolescent girls globally have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence by the age of 20. Alarmingly, 1 in 6 faced such violence in the past year alone.
Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research Department, highlights the severe impacts, noting that violence during these formative years can cause lasting health issues, including injuries, depression, anxiety, unplanned pregnancies, and sexually transmitted infections.
High Rates Reflect Deep Inequalities
The study, the first to provide detailed prevalence estimates of partner violence among 15-19-year-old girls, shows significant regional differences.
The highest rates are found in:
- Oceania (47%)
- central sub-Saharan Africa (40%)
- while central Europe (10%)
- central Asia (11%) report the lowest.
Key factors increasing the risk include lower income levels, fewer girls in secondary school, and weaker property rights for women. Child marriage significantly escalates risks due to power imbalances and economic dependency.
Urgent Need for Targeted Interventions
The report calls for urgent action to support adolescent girls through tailored services and prevention measures. Effective strategies include school programs on healthy relationships, legal protections, and economic empowerment. Addressing gender equality and ending child marriage are critical to reducing violence.
Dr. Lynnmarie Sardinha of WHO emphasizes, “Ending gender-based violence requires policies that increase equality for women and girls, ensuring secondary education for all and securing gender-equal property rights.”
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Conclusion
The WHO urges countries to strengthen efforts to measure and address violence against women. New guidelines on preventing child marriage are expected by the end of 2024, aiming to safeguard millions of young women worldwide.
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For more detailed analysis on UN report, visit trusted news website "In Bulletin".
