Violence against women has been recognized as an important public health and human rights problem, both globally and within the Americas. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 30% of women in the Americas have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by a partner, while 11% have experienced sexual violence by a non-partner. Intimate partner violence (IPV) – the most common form of violence against women – has serious consequences for women’s health and wellbeing. A 12-country analysis from the Latin American and Caribbean region found that large proportions of women who experienced IPV reported physical and mental health consequences, including physical injuries, chronic pain, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. In most countries, IPV was significantly correlated with lower age at first union, higher parity, and unintended pregnancy. IPV also has well documented negative consequences for children and the broader society.

In 2015, United Nations (UN) Member States agreed to work towards eliminating violence against women as part of 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Member States of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) made similar commitments as part of PAHO’s 2015 Strategy and Plan of Action on Violence against Women and WHO’s 2016 Global Plan of Action on interpersonal violence, in particular violence against women and girls and violence against children. Strengthening data collection systems and measures is a key commitment made in all of these agreements and a priority for PAHO.

This infographic presents results from the 12-country analysis, as well as recommendations for a multi-sector response to IPV that includes the health systems in these countries.