Violence Against Women

Violence Against Women and Children

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Violence affects millions of women and children around the world, and those living in poverty are some of the most vulnerable.

IJM works to combat violence against women and children in Uganda, Guatemala, Bolivia, El Salvador and Kenya.

Our impact around the world to protect women and children from violence

2,500+

Victims relieved from sexual and domestic violence

3,300+

Widows and orphans returned to their homes since 2004

2,200+

Women and children brought to safety and and supported through IJM and partners' aftercare programmes since 2013

More than 570,000,000 women are estimated to be subject to gender-based violence annually.

IJM's Model to Combat Violence Against Women and Children

Strengthen Justice Systems

We collaborate with law enforcement and community leaders to effectively respond to violence. Together, we design improvements that serve women and children with sensitivity, move cases through the justice system more smoothly and deter criminals.

Protect and Bring Victims to Safety

We identify cases through referrals from social services, police, families and community members. We collaborate with partners and law enforcement to ensure that survivors are brought to safety, and that they receive services like trauma counseling or skills training.

Bring Criminals to Justice

We work alongside law enforcement and community partners to ensure criminals are held accountable. IJM works to ensure adequate evidence is collected to build a strong case, and we support survivors who choose to share the truth in court.

Scale Demand for Protection

We convene and equip champions—from grassroots community leaders and survivors of violence to global corporations and development institutions—call on governments to strengthen their justice systems and protect women and children.

Stories of impact

Violence Against Women

Uganda Police Force Collaborates with IJM and UN Women to Improve Response to Violence Against Women and Children

As part of a grant from UN Women, International Justice Mission (IJM) gathered Uganda Police Force (UPF) Officers to review IJM’s recommendations for a new module covering violence against women and children (VAWC) case management and response to be ...

Sexual Violence

The Global Survivor Network Speaks Out

Three Things Governments & Donors Can Do Now. Recommendations from Pachaiyammal, Victoria and Jakelin from the Global Survivor Network.

More about IJM's work in Uganda

One in two women within Uganda have experienced intimate partner violence.

OECD Report 2015

Even higher prevalence rates were reported in Northern Uganda, with two-thirds of women experiencing intimate partner violence within their lifetime.

OECD Report 2015

More than half of Ugandans (57%) agree that domestic violence against women is justified under certain circumstances.

Uganda SIGI OECD Report 2015

Across Uganda, IJM partners with the public justice system to ensure that women and children are protected from violence, and key players in the community are trained on women's rights.

IJM has been working with partners in Uganda since 2004 to combat land theft, a form of Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) that targets vulnerable widows and orphans.

In 2018, IJM began work in Gulu to combat domestic violence in Northern Uganda.

IJM Gulu began taking on domestic violence cases in 2018. IJM lawyers supported Sarah win her court case against her abuser. She's now safe, and a thriving hairdresser. Read Sarah's story »

Since 2004, IJM Kampala has restored land and homes to over 1,200 women. Meet one of them »

To date, IJM Kampala has convicted over 96 criminals and trained over 10,000 police, judges, churches, communities on land theft and women's rights.

In Uganda, when a man dies, it is common for neighbours, relatives and other community members to steal the home and property from his widow and children. When a man beats his wife, it is often seen as a personal matter. Police and courts are not always equipped and can be slow to respond when children suffer from sexual violence.

We are standing with women and children affected by violence across the country.

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