A new report by UN Women and the UN Office of Drugs and Crime reveals that an average of 140 women and girls were killed each day by a family member or intimate partner in 2023. Globally, this accounted for about 51,100 deaths last year, a rise from 48,800 in 2022.
“The home is the most dangerous place for women and girls,” the report said, adding that this form of violence spares no region.
The data, released on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, highlighted that the increase in reported deaths is likely due to better data collection, not an actual surge in killings.
UN Women’s Deputy Executive Director, Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda, explained the ongoing trend: “Women have been killed by their loved ones for a long time, and it continues because the root causes – like gender stereotypes and harmful social norms – have not been addressed.”
She pointed to power dynamics as a key factor: “This violence is about power over women. Perpetrators often face impunity because families are hesitant to take action against their own.”
Africa saw the highest number of killings, with 21,700 victims in 2023 – about 2.9 victims per 100,000 people. The Americas followed with 1.6 victims per 100,000, and Oceania recorded 1.5 per 100,000. Asia and Europe had lower rates, at 0.8 and 0.6 per 100,000 respectively.
The report stressed that most of these deaths could have been prevented with proper intervention. “These killings often follow repeated episodes of violence,” the UN agencies noted.
The report highlighted stark differences in how violence affects men and women. “While men and boys are more likely to be killed outside the home, women and girls disproportionately face lethal violence in private spaces,” it said.
Of all women killed in 2023, nearly 60% were victims of intimate partner or family violence. In contrast, the majority of male homicide victims were killed outside the home.
Gumbonzvanda urged leaders to use their power to stop violence: “We need those in power – economically, politically, or culturally – to act. Power should create options for prevention, not perpetuate violence.”
Despite global efforts, the report warns that killings of women and girls remain “alarmingly high.” Activists say more timely and effective measures are needed to protect women before violence escalates to murder.
In Nairobi, police dispersed a peaceful march with tear gas as demonstrators marked the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The protesters had gathered to raise awareness about femicide, a growing global concern.
“This is preventable,” the UN agencies concluded, urging countries to strengthen interventions to protect women and girls from violence in their own homes.
