Over 50,000 women killed by partners or family in 2024 —UN report

More than 50,000 women and girls were reportedly killed by intimate partners or family members in 2024—an average of one life lost every 10 minutes—according to a new United Nations report.

Released on Tuesday to mark the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the joint report by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women warns that femicide remains a persistent global crisis with “no sign of real progress.”

Al Jazeera reports that worldwide, 83,000 women and girls were intentionally killed last year, with 60 percent of those deaths perpetrated by partners or relatives. In contrast, only 11 percent of male homicide victims were killed by someone within their family or intimate circle.

The report emphasises that many of the killings are preventable, but inadequate protection systems, weak police responses, and limited social support continue to put women and girls at extreme risk.

Researchers warn the actual figures may be significantly higher due to underreporting, limited data collection, fear among survivors, and outdated legal definitions that obscure some cases.

Experts say economic hardship, conflict, displacement and lack of safe housing often trap women in abusive homes, heightening the risk of lethal violence.

“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 highlight urgent gaps in prevention and criminal justice systems.

Sarah Hendriks, Director of UN Women’s Policy Division, said femicide frequently lies at the extreme end of a broader “continuum of violence”, which may begin with controlling behaviour, harassment or online abuse.

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

The report shows that Africa recorded the highest regional rate of femicide by intimate partners or family members, followed by the Americas, Oceania, Asia and Europe.

UN Women is calling for coordinated action across schools, workplaces, public services and communities to identify early warning signs of abuse. Campaigners are also urging governments to increase funding for shelters, legal assistance and specialised support services.

The findings were released as the UN launched its annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence campaign.

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