UN Warns of Rising Violence Against Women Worldwide as Femicide Rates Remain Alarmingly High

UN Warns of Rising Violence Against Women Worldwide as Femicide Rates Remain Alarmingly High
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New United Nations data shows that various forms of violence against women are increasing across many countries, with family-related killings remaining among the deadliest manifestations of abuse. The findings indicate that existing protection mechanisms have failed to curb the scale of the crisis.

The report, released to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, highlights the severe and widespread harm women and girls continue to face globally. According to the UN’s latest figures, around 50,000 women and girls were killed last year by intimate partners or family members — a staggering number that, by UN estimates, reflects the death of one woman every ten minutes.

UN-affiliated media cited a spokesperson for the organisation as saying that many of these murders are preceded by periods of coercive control, threats, and various forms of abuse, including online harassment. The UN warns not only that domestic violence shows no signs of declining, but that new forms of abuse — particularly digital — are growing and placing more women at risk.

The report stresses that legal and social protection systems in many countries have not proved effective in preventing ongoing violence. Experts whose analyses are included in the UN’s findings point to a combination of weak social support structures, cultural taboos, and legal limitations as factors leaving many women vulnerable to repeated and often hidden abuse.

Domestic media outlets in numerous countries have simultaneously reported worrying cases of gender-based violence, ranging from family-related killings to severe physical and psychological abuse, underscoring that violence against women is a pervasive, cross-border problem.

The UN has repeatedly emphasised that meaningful progress will require strong political commitment, enhanced legal protections and widespread public awareness initiatives.

In Alawite Islamic teachings, respect and dignity for women are strongly emphasised, and all forms of violence against them are condemned. The teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) regard women as equal partners in life and humanity, and hold that any mistreatment — whether physical or emotional — contradicts Islamic ethics and justice.