Violence against women
What violence includes, how it harms health, and that support is available.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- If you are hurt, a health facility can give you care.
- If you are in danger, get to a safe place and reach out to someone you trust or a support service.
Key things to remember
- Violence is never your fault.
- It includes physical, sexual and emotional abuse and control.
- Health services can help survivors.
📖 Read the full lesson
Violence against women includes physical, sexual and emotional harm, threats and controlling behaviour — by a partner, an ex-partner or anyone else. About 1 in 3 women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence. In sub-Saharan Africa, about 1 in 3 women have experienced violence from a partner.
Violence harms health: injuries, pain, unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections including HIV, problems in pregnancy, and depression, anxiety and trouble sleeping. It also harms children who live with it.
Violence is never the victim's fault. Health services can offer care, including sexual and reproductive health care and mental health support, and can connect survivors with other services.
📚 Sources
- World Health Organization — Violence against women (fact sheet) 18 Jun 2026 · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-027 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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HerHealth provides educational health information and does not provide medical diagnosis or replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.