Partners, family killed 137 women a day worldwide in 2024: UN

More than 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members in 2024, equivalent to one every 10 minutes or 137 per day, said a new data released by the United Nations.

The figures are from a joint assessment by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women, released ahead of the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The report, issued on Tuesday, warned that femicide continues to claim tens of thousands of lives each year with “no sign of real progress.”

It added that overall, 83,000 women and girls were intentionally killed worldwide last year, 60 percent at the hands of partners or relatives.

By comparison, only 11 percent of male homicide victims were killed by family members or intimate partners.

As per the UN assessment, many of the killings could have been prevented, but gaps in protection measures, policing, and social support systems continue to expose women and girls to fatal violence.

The Qatar-based broadcaster said the true toll is likely higher, as many countries still struggle with poor data collection, under-reporting due to fear, and outdated legal definitions that obscure cases.

Experts cited in the report warn that economic instability, conflict, forced displacement, and limited access to safe housing further heighten the dangers for women trapped in abusive settings.

“The home remains a dangerous and sometimes lethal place for too many women and girls around the world,” said John Brandolino, acting executive director of UNODC.

He added that the findings underline the need for stronger prevention efforts and criminal justice responses.

Sarah Hendriks, director of UN Women’s policy division, said femicides often sit on a “continuum of violence” that can start with controlling behaviour, harassment and online abuse.

“Digital violence often doesn’t stay online,” she said. “It can escalate offline and, in the worst cases, contribute to lethal harm.”

According to the report, the highest regional rate of femicide by intimate partners or family members was recorded in Africa, followed by the Americas, Oceania, Asia and Europe.

Al Jazeera said UN Women called for coordinated action in schools, workplaces, public services and communities to identify early signs of abuse.

It added that campaigners urged governments to strengthen funding for shelters, legal aid and specialist support services.