Violence against women continues to be a global crisis. Data from the World Health Organization (2021, still relevant) estimates that 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence, mostly by intimate partners.

Every minute, somewhere in the world, a woman becomes a victim of violence. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that one in three women will experience physical or sexual violence in their lifetime—most often from an intimate partner.

It’s a crisis that transcends borders, cultures, and class. Yet, despite how pervasive it is, the conversation surrounding violence against women remains shockingly underrepresented in mainstream discourse.

For many women, violence is not an isolated incident but an ongoing pattern, often rooted in deep-seated societal norms that dehumanize and marginalize them. From early childhood, girls are taught to prioritize others’ needs over their own, to be passive rather than assertive, and—perhaps most troubling—how to stay silent in the face of abuse. These cultural expectations, combined with inadequate legal protections and societal stigmas, create a breeding ground for violence that remains hidden in plain sight.

It’s easy to assume that violence is something that happens “elsewhere” or to someone else, but the truth is that it can occur in any community, regardless of social or economic status. In fact, some of the most dangerous places for women are in their own homes, where intimate partner violence becomes an all-too-familiar reality.

Ending violence against women isn’t just about laws or policies; it’s about changing the narratives that define gender roles and dismantling the systems that allow this violence to persist. The fight is global, but it starts with all of us. By speaking out, supporting survivors, and demanding change, we can begin to shift the balance and create a world where no woman has to live in fear.