New York: On the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, a report by the United Nations has revealed a shocking statistic: every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by someone close to her.
According to the joint report by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women, approximately 50,000 women and girls were killed by their spouses or family members in 2024.
Key Statistics
- Of all women killed, 60% were murdered by their husbands, partners, fathers, brothers, or other close relatives, compared to just 11% among men.
- This translates to 137 women killed every day, or one woman every 10 minutes, often in their own homes.
- Africa reported the highest number of cases, with nearly 22,000 women killed last year.
Domestic Violence and Online Threats
The UN notes that there has been no significant reduction in domestic violence or women’s killings, and the home remains the most dangerous place for women.
Sarah Hendricks, Director of Policy Division at UN Women, explained that many killings start with controlling behavior, threats, and harassment, now including online harassment.
The report highlights how technology has contributed to rising crimes against women, including:
- Sharing images without consent
- Deepfake videos
The United Nations called for the enforcement of laws that can effectively prevent both online and offline violence and ensure timely accountability of perpetrators.
