Prevalence of recent intimate partner violence
Export Indicator
Progress in reducing the prevalence of intimate partner violence against women, as an outcome itself and as a proxy for gender inequality
An intimate partner is defined as a cohabiting partner, whether or not they were married at the time. The violence could have occurred after they separated.
Globally, high rates of HIV infection among women have brought into sharp focus the problem of violence against women. There is growing recognition that deep-rooted, pervasive gender inequalities, especially violence against women and girls, shape their risk of and vulnerability to HIV infection. Violence and HIV have been linked through direct and indirect pathways. Studies in many countries indicate that many women have experienced violence in some form or another at some point in their life. WHO estimates that one in three women globally has experienced intimate partner violence and/or non-partner sexual violence.
Women 15–49 years old who have or have ever had an intimate partner and report experiencing physical or sexual violence from at least one of these partners in the past 12 months. See the numerator explanation below for the specific acts of physical or sexual violence to include.
Total number of women 15–49 years old surveyed who currently have or have had an intimate partner
Numerator/denominator
Population-based surveys already being used within countries, such as WHO multicountry surveys, Demographic and Health Surveys or AIDS Indicator Surveys (domestic violence module) and the International Violence against Women Surveys.
Collecting data on violence against women requires special methods ensuring that information is gathered in a manner adhering to ethical and safety standards, that does not pose a risk to study participants and maximizes data validity and reliability.
3–5 years
- Age (15–19, 20–24 and 25–49 years)
- HIV status (if available)
Ever-married or -partnered women 15–49 years old include those who have ever been married or have had an intimate partner. They are asked whether they have experienced physical or sexual violence from a male intimate partner in the past 12 months. Physical or sexual violence is determined by asking whether their partner did any of the following:
- Slapped her or threw something that could hurt her.
- Pushed or shoved her.
- Hit her with a fist or something else that could hurt her.
- Kicked, dragged or beat her up.
- Choked or burned her.
- Threatened or used a gun, knife or other weapon against her.
- Physically forced her to have sexual intercourse against her will.
- Forced her to do something sexual she found degrading or humiliating.
- Made her afraid of what would happen if she did not have sexual intercourse.
The numerator includes those reporting at least one incident corresponding to any item in the past 12 months.
Total number of women 15–49 years old surveyed who currently have or had an intimate partner.
This indicator assesses progress in reducing the proportion of women experiencing recent intimate partner violence as an outcome in and of itself. It should also be interpreted as a proxy for gender equality. A change over time in the prevalence of recent violence will indicate a change in the level of gender equality, one of the structural factors driving the HIV epidemic.
The complex relationship between violence against women and HIV has been conceptually illustrated in a review of the state of evidence and practice in developing and implementing strategies addressing the intersection of violence and HIV. For more than a decade, research worldwide has documented the link between violence against women and HIV. Studies have demonstrated an association between violence against women and HIV as both a contributing factor for infection and a consequence of infection. This relationship operates through a variety of direct and indirect mechanisms.
- Fear of violence may keep women from insisting that a male partner whom they suspect is living with HIV use a condom.
- Fear of intimate partner violence may keep women from disclosing their HIV status or seeking treatment.
- Forced vaginal penetration increases the likelihood of HIV transmission.
- Rape is one manifestation of gender inequality and can result in HIV infection, although it represents a minority of cases.
- Rape and other sexual and physical abuse can result in mental distress that is manifested in high-risk sexual behaviour, increasing the chances of HIV transmission.