In the first cover of The Lancet 2026, a study finds more than 1 billion women and children faced violence in 2023, with South and Southeast Asia emerging as critical hotspots
New Delhi: More than one billion women and children experienced violence worldwide in 2023, a major new analysis published in The Lancet has found. The scale of exposure highlights a global public health crisis that researchers say remains largely preventable.
The findings draw from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2023 study on intimate partner violence (IPV) and sexual violence against children (SVAC). IPV includes abuse by a current or former spouse or partner, while SVAC refers to sexual abuse or exploitation during childhood.
Researchers analysed data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023, making this one of the most extensive global assessments of violence-related health impacts to date.
A major health burden, especially for women of working age
In 2023 alone, violence by intimate partners led to an estimated 145,000 deaths among women aged 15 years and above. It also accounted for 18.5 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). Sexual violence experienced during childhood caused an additional 290,000 deaths and 32.2 million DALYs across both males and females.
Among women aged 15–49 years, IPV and SVAC ranked as the fourth and fifth leading risk factors for loss of healthy life globally. South Asia and high-income regions emerged as areas with particularly high burdens. In these regions, both forms of violence featured among the top three risk factors affecting women in this age group.
For South Asia, home to nearly a quarter of the world’s population, the findings carry added significance. Violence within households and families continues to shape health outcomes during prime working and reproductive years.
In countries such as India, many survivors do not report intimate partner violence. Childhood sexual abuse often comes to light years later, if at all. Social stigma, fear of retaliation, and weak reporting systems limit disclosure and delay support.
The study links intimate partner violence to a wide range of health conditions. These include HIV/AIDS, anxiety disorders, major depressive disorder, self-harm, homicide, pregnancy loss, maternal haemorrhage, and substance use disorders.
Sexual violence against children shows long-term effects that extend well into adulthood. Survivors face higher risks of depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, alcohol and drug use disorders, type 2 diabetes, asthma, and other chronic illnesses.
Across all regions, anxiety and major depressive disorder contributed the largest share of disability linked to violence. The findings point to a serious shortage of trauma-informed mental health services, particularly in South Asia.
Low- and middle-income countries, especially in sub-Saharan Africa, recorded the highest overall burden of violence-related disease and death. However, the study notes that South Asia faces similar structural challenges. These include underreporting, limited survivor support, and fragile mental health systems.
High-income countries also show substantial health impacts from violence. Mental health disorders and substance use drive much of this burden, underscoring that violence against women and children remains a global issue.
The authors warn that current estimates likely fall short of reality. The study does not fully capture psychological abuse within intimate relationships. It also excludes physical and emotional abuse and neglect of children.
Deaths linked to self-harm and intimate partner femicide remain widely underreported. Stigma and weak administrative records continue to mask the true scale of harm in many societies.
The Lancet study describes intimate partner violence and sexual violence against children as preventable causes of enormous loss of life and health. Researchers call for stronger investment in prevention, better data systems, and expanded health and social services for survivors.
For India and its South Asian neighbours, the findings highlight the need to go beyond legal measures. Early intervention, survivor-focused reporting, mental health care, and community-level prevention must take priority. Without sustained action, violence against women and children will continue to undermine health, wellbeing, and development across the region.
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