Violence against women

23 November 2018 | The estimate that 1 in 3 women around the world have experienced either physical and/or sexual violence, mostly by an intimate partner is one that is widely cited today. Whilst this is a worldwide figure, there is variation in the prevalence of violence seen within and between communities, countries and regions. Even though data are scarce, we know that in humanitarian and emergency settings, linked to an increase in armed actors and a decrease in security as a result of broken social and protective networks, the risk to women of different forms of violence are even greater.

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• WHO: Addressing violence against women: Key achievements and priorities

17 October 2018 | WHO, UN Human Rights and UN Women have today issued a statement calling for the elimination of so-called “virginity testing”. “Virginity testing”, which is also often referred to as hymen, “two-finger” or per vaginal examination, is an inspection of female genitalia designed to determine whether a woman or girl has had vaginal intercourse.

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24 November 2017 | Health care providers have an important role to play in identifying women who experience violence, and responding to them with empathy. In order for health care providers to be able to respond appropriately, health systems need to be strengthened so that women receive high-quality and respectful care. In recognition of this, WHO has launched a new manual to help health managers and policy-makers to strengthen health systems to deliver better quality of care to women who are subjected to violence.

• International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women 2017: Leave no one behind

19 October 2017: For the first time, WHO has published guidelines to help (primarily) front-line healthcare providers give high-quality, compassionate, and respectful care to children and adolescents (up to age 18) who have or may have experienced sexual abuse, including sexual assault or rape.

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