The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that nearly 19 million adolescent girls globally will have experienced physical and sexual intimate partner violence by the time they turn 20. This finding is part of a new analysis published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health.
The analysis highlights that 16% of adolescent girls have faced such violence in the past year. Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research Department, expressed concern over the alarming early onset of intimate partner violence among young women. She emphasized the need for heightened public health measures focused on prevention and targeted support, given the profound and lasting harm caused by such violence during critical formative years.
The study identifies that intimate partner violence is most prevalent in lower-income countries and regions with fewer girls in secondary education. It is also common in areas where girls have weaker legal rights, particularly concerning property ownership and inheritance. Child marriage before age 18 significantly increases these risks, as does spousal age disparity, which fosters power imbalances, economic dependency, and social isolation.
Allotey stressed the urgent need for strengthened support services and early prevention measures specifically tailored for adolescents. She advocated for school-based programs to educate both boys and girls on healthy relationships, and actions to advance women’s and girls’ rights.Lynnmarie Sardinha, WHO’s Technical Officer for Violence Against Women Data and Measurement, noted that ending gender-based violence requires comprehensive policies and programs that promote gender equality and protect women and girls.
The WHO’s findings underscore the critical need for global efforts to address and prevent intimate partner violence, ensuring that vulnerable adolescents receive the support and protection they need.
Barristerng.com
Kindly Share This!!!
0 Comments