Despite progress across OECD Member countries, complex forms of GBV are on the rise, such as those facilitated by technology. More data on GBV prevalence and stronger cross-sectoral co-ordination are needed. Moreover, not all forms of GBV are recognised and prosecuted, and not all kinds of abuse are included in national legal frameworks, leading to gaps in protection. In addition, survivors often face distinct legal needs and complex dynamics with their abusers, which may include economic dependence. Identifying and dismantling legal and institutional barriers, while prioritising survivor-centred pathways, are crucial to improve access to justice worldwide.
Gender-based violence
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widespread problem, affecting people regardless of age, gender, race, and socioeconomic background, and in the majority of cases women and girls. Although GBV has become a top gender-equality priority across many OECD countries in recent years, significant challenges remain which require intervention at all levels of society.
Key messages
Survivors/victims of gender-based violence have complex social, legal and economic needs and require a range of services from governments and other providers. For example, they may need prompt access to mental and physical health services, legal advice, housing support and help for their children.
With support coming from so many different sources, it is crucialthat public institutions and services collaborate closely to ensure that survivors/victims can access the full range of help they need when they need it.
Social norms that uphold male dominance in the private sphere can lead to physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violence. In some instances, men resort to violence to reaffirm their dominant role over women. This can occur when women deviate from the expectation to be “obedient, silent and good”, and also when men have difficulties living up to their expected roles as breadwinner and decision-maker. Recognising and understanding the dynamics of such norms is crucial to effectively combat and prevent gender-based violence.
Context
Violence against women is widespread
An alarming number of women and girls becoming survivors/victims of GBV at least once in their lifetimes. For most women who have experienced physical or sexual violence, the perpetrator is someone they know, rather than a stranger – a phenomenon known as intimate partner violence (IPV).
Across the 27 OECD countries with available data, almost a quarter (23%) of women report having experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. This ranges from a low of 13% in Spain, Slovenia, Poland and Austria to as high as 36% in the United States and 38%, or almost two in five women, in Türkiye. Rates of violence are estimated to be even higher in many other parts of the world.
