A Global Crisis: Unveiling the Widespread Impact of Sexual Violence

The Lancet's 2023 study reveals over a billion individuals worldwide have faced sexual violence during childhood. Intimate partner violence harms over 600 million women. High rates are noted in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Urgent preventive measures are needed to address health impacts and fatalities linked to violence.

A staggering billion individuals have suffered sexual violence during childhood, while intimate partner violence affected 608 million women in 2023, reveals a study by The Lancet. This research highlights alarming concentrations in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia, where the health impacts are exacerbated by prevalent HIV and chronic diseases.

The study, utilizing data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2023, reveals intimate partner violence results in 145,000 deaths, mainly from homicide, suicide, and HIV/AIDS. Additionally, sexual violence in childhood links to 290,000 deaths, predominantly from suicide and chronic illnesses like type 2 diabetes.

Researchers stress violence against women and children is a significant public health issue, not merely a social justice problem. Recommendations include strengthening legal frameworks, promoting gender equality, and providing support services to mitigate this global health crisis.

(With inputs from agencies.)