Domestic Violence Around the World: A Global Crisis in Need of Collective Action

Kingsley Chinwendu

Domestic violence remains one of the most pressing social and public health issues worldwide. Defined by the World Health Organization (WHO, 2021) as any behavior within an intimate relationship that causes physical, psychological, or sexual harm to those in the relationship, it cuts across culture, class, and geography. For counselors and mental health professionals, understanding the global landscape of domestic violence is vital for effective prevention and intervention.

The Global Scale of Domestic Violence

Globally, nearly one in three women experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime, most often by an intimate partner (World Health Organization [WHO], 2021). According to United Nations Women (UN Women, 2023), around 27% of women aged 15–49 who have ever been in a relationship have faced some form of violence from their partner. In 2023 alone, approximately 51,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members — an average of 140 lives lost every day (United Nations, 2024).

Although domestic violence occurs in every region, prevalence rates vary. Studies show higher rates in sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania, with some areas reporting nearly half of all women experiencing intimate partner violence (Garcia-Moreno et al., 2020). In contrast, reported rates are lower in high-income regions, such as Western Europe and North America, though underreporting remains a significant issue (World Bank, 2022). These statistics reveal that no society is immune — domestic violence is a universal challenge.

Forms and Manifestations of Abuse

Domestic violence is not limited to physical harm. It includes psychological, sexual, and economic abuse, each of which can leave deep scars on survivors. Psychological or emotional violence — such as humiliation, coercive control, or isolation — is often the most common but least recognized (Devries et al., 2018). Economic abuse, including restricting access to finances or employment, further traps victims in cycles of dependence and fear.

In many cultures, societal norms reinforce male dominance and justify control over women, contributing to the persistence of abuse (Myall, 2024). The normalization of such behavior discourages victims from speaking out, perpetuating silence and stigma.

Underlying Causes and Risk Factors

The roots of domestic violence are complex and multifactorial. Key contributors include patriarchal traditions, economic stress, substance abuse, childhood trauma, and weak legal enforcement (Hamel, 2016). Economic dependence often forces victims to remain in abusive relationships. Alcohol and drug use frequently escalate violent behavior, while exposure to violence in childhood increases the likelihood of becoming either a perpetrator or a victim in adulthood (UN Women, 2023).

At a societal level, gender inequality remains the strongest predictor of domestic violence prevalence. In regions where women’s rights are poorly protected or cultural attitudes condone male dominance, violence becomes more pervasive and severe (Garcia-Moreno et al., 2020).

Consequences for Survivors and Society

The consequences of domestic violence extend far beyond the immediate harm. Victims often suffer chronic physical injuries, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and even suicidal thoughts (WHO, 2021). Children who witness violence are more likely to experience emotional and behavioral difficulties and may internalize violence as a normal part of relationships.

From an economic perspective, domestic violence costs nations billions annually through healthcare expenses, lost productivity, and social services (United Nations, 2024). Beyond these tangible costs, it undermines community stability and hinders human development.

Responses and Global Efforts

Efforts to address domestic violence have expanded worldwide, yet significant challenges remain. Many countries have introduced laws criminalizing intimate partner violence, but enforcement varies. Survivors often face systemic barriers, such as stigma, lack of protection, and limited access to justice.

International organizations and advocacy groups, such as UN Women, WHO, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), continue to drive global awareness and intervention programs. These include promoting gender equality, supporting shelters, providing counseling services, and developing educational campaigns.

Perpetrator rehabilitation programs are also emerging globally. Hamel (2016) reviewed domestic violence intervention models and noted that cognitive-behavioral approaches show promise in reducing recidivism when combined with accountability measures and support services.

Kingsley Chinwendu

Tue, Oct 14, 2:29 AM (2 days ago)

to me

Domestic Violence Around the World: Country Profiles for Counselors

Domestic violence (intimate partner and family violence) is a global public-health and human-rights problem. Prevalence, common forms of help-seeking, legal protections, and service availability differ markedly by country — knowledge that counselors must hold to provide culturally informed care and appropriate referrals.

Nigeria

Nigeria reports high rates of emotional, physical, and economic abuse, with studies indicating that between one-third and two-thirds of women have experienced some form of domestic violence depending on region and measurement method (Oluwole, 2020; Bolarinwa, 2023). Local research highlights wide regional variation and strong links with partner alcohol use, jealousy, and low educational attainment among victims and perpetrators. Counselors working in Nigeria should prioritize safety planning, economic empowerment supports, and culturally sensitive community outreach to reduce stigma and underreporting (Oluwole, 2020; Bolarinwa, 2023).

United States

In the United States, national surveillance shows millions affected annually; lifetime estimates indicate that a substantial share of women and men experience physical violence, sexual violence, or stalking by an intimate partner (CDC, 2024). Support systems (hotlines, shelters, legal protections) are established but access barriers and underreporting persist, particularly for marginalized groups. Counselors should be familiar with local domestic-violence resources, mandatory reporting rules where applicable, and trauma-informed care models (CDC, 2024; The Hotline, n.d.).

India

India’s National Family Health Survey and subsequent analyses report sizable rates of spousal violence — NFHS-5 estimated roughly 29% lifetime prevalence among married women in some analyses — with strong associations to socioeconomic status, caste, and rural residence (Manna, 2024; Shaikh et al., 2024). Given diverse legal provisions and social stigma, counseling should integrate community education, link clients to legal aid and women’s shelters, and employ culturally competent safety planning (Manna, 2024).

Brazil

Brazilian data indicate that intimate partner and family violence remain common; national reports estimate that one-third or more of women experience some form of partner violence during their lives, and pandemic-era research showed continued high incidence and serious consequences (World Bank, 2023; Joly et al., 2025). Counselors should be aware of Brazil’s legal protections while recognizing gaps in service distribution — especially in rural and low-income urban areas — and integrate mental-health and legal referrals into safety planning.

South Africa

South Africa shows consistently high IPV prevalence estimates (often reported between about 25% and 40% lifetime among women in many studies), and research points to strong links with structural inequalities, substance use, and prior exposure to violence (Sulaiman et al., 2025; Baruwa et al., 2025). For counselors, trauma-informed group work, collaboration with community organizations, and attention to gender-based policy initiatives are important components of care.

United Kingdom (England & Wales)

Recent national crime surveys estimate millions of adults experienced domestic abuse in the previous year; the Crime Survey for England and Wales (year ending March 2024) estimated about 2.3 million adults experienced domestic abuse in that 12-month period (ONS, 2024). Family-court and service reviews also highlight that coercive control and emotional abuse are pervasive and sometimes inadequately handled in legal settings, underscoring the need for multi-agency collaboration (ONS, 2024; Domestic Abuse Commissioner findings). Counselors should work closely with legal advocates and local safeguarding services to protect survivors and their children.

Australia

National surveys indicate that roughly one in five Australian adults report experiencing family, domestic, or sexual violence in their lifetime, with government data showing declines in some 12-month measures but persistent long-term prevalence (AIHW/ABS, 2023). Older women and marginalized populations are increasingly recognized as underserved by current service models. Counselors should tailor outreach and intervention to diverse age groups and cultural communities while coordinating with statutory agencies.

Pakistan

DHS and national analyses report that around one-third of women have experienced domestic violence in some surveys, though estimates vary by province and methodology (PDHS, 2017–18; regional analyses). Strong social stigma, gender norms, and limited service access mean many survivors do not seek formal help. Counselors should prioritize confidentiality, culturally respectful engagement, and connections to community-based supports and legal referral pathways (DHS, 2018).

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Comparative implications for counselors

Across countries, common themes emerge: underreporting, high prevalence of psychological and economic abuse, and a need for integrated services (legal, medical, social). Effective counseling responses include trauma-informed and survivor-centered care, culturally competent safety planning, and active linkage to community resources. Counselors should also advocate for policy strengthening, public awareness campaigns, and improved data collection to guide interventions.

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References

Baruwa, O. J., et al. (2025). Factors associated with intimate partner violence among... BMC Public Health.

Bolarinwa, O. A. (2023). Spatial distribution and predictors of lifetime experience... (selected study). PMC.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). About intimate partner violence. https://www.cdc.gov/intimate-partner-violence/about/index.html.

Joly, Á. O. L., et al. (2025). Women’s reports of violence before and during COVID-19 in Brazil. PMC.

Manna, S. (2024). Prevalence of intimate partner violence among Indian women. PMC.

Oluwole, E. O. (2020). Prevalence and determinants of intimate partner violence... PMC.

Office for National Statistics. (2024). Domestic abuse prevalence and trends, England and Wales, year ending March 2024. https://www.ons.gov.uk.

PDHS (Pakistan Demographic and Health Survey). (2017–18). Final report. https://dhsprogram.com.

Sulaiman, L. A. R., et al. (2025). Intimate partner controlling behaviour and IPV in South Africa. BMC