VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN
We won’t stop until every woman and child is protected from violence
The problem
Violence Against Women and Children
Violence affects millions of women and children around the world. People living in poverty are some of the most vulnerable to a range of everyday forms of violence – including sexual violence and domestic violence. When a man assaults his wife or partner, it’s often seen as a “family matter” to handle in the home rather than report to authorities. Sexual violence against children is widespread, yet courts are frequently ill-equipped to handle these cases, leaving children without the protection they urgently need.
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Nearly 1 in 5 girls is sexually abused at least once in her life.
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Nearly 736 million women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.
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Worldwide, up to 50% of sexual assaults are committed against girls under 16 years old.
Forms of Violence Against Women and Children
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Sexual Violence
Women and children experience crimes like rape, sexual assault, molestation and other forms of sexual abuse.
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Domestic Violence
Women are particularly vulnerable to violent abuse by their spouses or partners.
Our solution
Our Community Protection Model
We don’t stop at bringing people to safety from violence. Our goal is to prevent abuse and exploitation from happening in the first place.
That’s why IJM and our partners collaborate with local authorities to support survivors to heal with trauma-informed care, hold perpetrators to account, and strengthen justice systems to build communities where all people can expect to be safe and protected.
Our Global Impact
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21,800+
Survivors brought to freedom from sexual and domestic violence
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2,800+
Women and children supported to reach a place of sustainable recovery through trauma-informed aftercare since 2013
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3,300+
Widows and orphans supported to return to their homes after land theft since 2004
Where we and our partners work to protect women and children from violence
Meet Mariela
A young woman's journey from fear to testifying in court
Mariela* went on a night out with colleagues expecting a break from work, but it ended with her being drugged and sexually assaulted. Traumatised and later discovering she was pregnant, Mariela faced years of fear and intimidation from the man who abused her. As a single mother with little money, justice felt out of reach until she was referred to IJM and PROBOS for free legal and therapeutic support. With their help, Mariela testified in court and saw her abuser sentenced. Today, her courage is helping strengthen justice for other women still waiting for protection.
Explore more stories related to Violence Against Women and Children:
Violence Against Women and Children Resources
We are seeing evidence that IJM’s model works—that enforcing the law deters criminals and protects people from violence. Here’s proof:
Together, we can end violence against women and children for good.
Will you help bring people to safety and build a world where all are free?