The home, traditionally seen as a symbol of safety and protection, often turns out to be the deadliest place for women. This alarming reality is highlighted by UN Women, a United Nations entity focused on advancing gender equality, and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
In observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the two organizations released a disturbing report: in 2023, an average of 140 women were killed each day by partners or family members.
Globally, approximately 51,100 women lost their lives in 2023 due to domestic violence, an increase from the 48,800 estimated in 2022. UN agencies clarified that this rise is not necessarily due to a genuine increase in murders but rather to improved data availability from countries.
However, the extent of domestic violence remains dire: no region of the world is immune, and the “domestic hearth” continues to be the most dangerous place for women. The report reveals that nearly 60% of women killed in 2023 were victims of someone they knew, while most male homicides occurred outside the private sphere.
Africa reported the highest number of killings: in 2023, an estimated 21,700 women and girls were killed by partners or family members, with a rate of 2.9 victims per 100,000 people—the highest relative to the population.
The Americas follow, with 1.6 female victims per 100,000 people, and Oceania with 1.5. Asia and Europe, meanwhile, have lower rates of 0.8 and 0.6 per 100,000 people, respectively. While men accounted for approximately 80% of all homicide victims in 2023, women were disproportionately affected by domestic violence.
UN agencies emphasize that such murders are often the culmination of years of psychological, physical, or sexual abuse and are therefore preventable through timely and targeted interventions.
Despite efforts by many countries to combat gender-based violence, the number of women killed remains “alarming.” The report stresses that ensuring effective interventions, raising awareness, and creating support networks for victims are essential steps toward changing this grim reality.
