WHO Multi-country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence against Women

Initial results on prevalence, health outcomes and women's responses

This report presents initial results based on interviews with 24 000 women by carefully trained interviewers. The study was implemented by WHO, in collaboration with the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), PATH, USA, research institutions and women's organizations in the participating countries. This report covers 15 sites and 10 countries: Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, Japan, Peru, Namibia, Samoa, Serbia and Montenegro, Thailand and the United Republic of Tanzania.

Report findings document the prevalence of intimate partner violence and its association with women's physical, mental, sexual and reproductive health. Data is included on non-partner violence, sexual abuse during childhood and forced first sexual experience. Information is also provided on women’s responses: Whom do women turn to and whom do they tell about the violence in their lives? Do they leave or fight back? Which services do they use and what response do they get?

The report concludes with 15 recommendations to strengthen national commitment and action on violence against women.

Data from the report show that violence against women is widespread and demands a public health response.

Download Main Report

Write to the Department of Gender, Women and Health at WHO at:
genderandhealth@who.int

Or at:
FCH/GWH
Batiment X
WHO
Avenue Appia 20
1211 Geneva 27
Switzerland
Fax: (41) 22 791 1585

:: International Women's Day 2005

Executive Board Paper: EB116/13
Gender, women and health: incorporating a gender perspective into the mainstream of WHO's policies and programmes -Report by the Secreatriat
Click here