What are the global health impacts of intimate partner violence (IPV)?

IPV is linked to major disabilities like anxiety and depression, and contributes to deaths from homicide, suicide, and HIV/AIDS.

How does childhood sexual violence affect health according to the study?

Childhood sexual violence is associated with 14 health outcomes, including mental health disorders, substance use, and chronic illnesses.

Which regions have the highest rates of violence?

Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia show the highest prevalence of intimate partner and sexual violence.

Home / Health / Global Health Crisis: Violence Linked to Major Disabilities

Global Health Crisis: Violence Linked to Major Disabilities

10 Dec, 2025

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Summary

Over 1 billion people exposed to violence since childhood.
Violence leads to significant health loss and disability.
IPV linked to 145,000 deaths globally, including partner homicides.

Global Health Crisis: Violence Linked to Major Disabilities

Globally, an estimated 608 million females and over 1 billion individuals have been exposed to intimate partner violence or sexual violence since childhood. These forms of violence are now recognized as major public health crises, contributing significantly to health loss and disability worldwide.

The study links intimate partner violence to 145,000 deaths, primarily from homicide, suicide, and HIV/AIDS, with nearly 30,000 women killed by partners in 2023. Sexual violence in childhood is associated with 290,000 deaths, mostly from suicide, HIV/AIDS, and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers emphasize that addressing violence against women and children is a critical public health priority. They call for strengthened legal frameworks, promotion of gender equality, and expanded support services to mitigate the devastating health toll and save millions of lives.