A recent statement from the World Health Organization (WHO) has revealed alarming statistics about violence against teenage girls. According to a new analysis published in The Lancet Child and Adolescent Health, nearly 19 million girls will have experienced physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence by the time they reach 20 years old. The report also notes that in the past year alone, one in six, or 16%, of adolescent girls have faced such violence.
Dr. Pascale Allotey, Director of WHO’s Sexual and Reproductive Health and Research Department, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue. She pointed out that intimate partner violence often begins alarmingly early, with profound and lasting effects on young women’s health, education, future relationships, and overall prospects. The repercussions include increased risks of injuries, depression, anxiety disorders, unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and other serious health conditions.
Allotey highlighted that these high rates of violence reflect deep-seated gender inequalities. The study, which draws on existing data, offers a detailed analysis of the prevalence of physical and sexual violence experienced by girls aged 15 to 19 in intimate relationships. It also identifies various social, economic, and cultural factors that elevate their risk, including lower-income regions, fewer girls in secondary education, weaker legal rights for girls, and the practice of child marriage.
The analysis reveals significant regional disparities, with the highest rates of violence reported in Oceania (47%) and central sub-Saharan Africa (40%), compared to lower rates in central Europe (10%) and central Asia (11%). In some countries, nearly half of adolescent girls have experienced intimate partner violence, while in others, the rate is as low as 6%.
Child marriage, occurring before the age of 18, is highlighted as a key factor increasing the risk of abuse. Such marriages often create power imbalances, economic dependence, and social isolation, making it difficult for girls to escape abusive situations.
Dr. Lynnmarie Sardinha, Technical Officer for Violence against Women Data and Measurement at WHO, stressed the need for comprehensive policies and programs to promote gender equality. These include ensuring secondary education for all girls, securing equal property rights, and eliminating harmful practices like child marriage. Sardinha noted that no country is currently on track to eliminate violence against women and girls by the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal target date.
The WHO is actively supporting countries in measuring and addressing violence against women and girls. New guidelines on preventing child marriage are expected to be released by the end of 2024, underscoring the global urgency to protect young women and promote their rights.