Geneva (TDI): Adolescent girls across the world are experiencing an alarming level of intimate partner violence (IPV). It is a crisis with far-reaching implications for their health, safety, and future opportunities for young girls.
An analysis released by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that an estimated 24 percent of young women aged 15 to 19 years who have ever been in a relationship experience intimate partner violence (IPV) in their lifetime. The percentage is estimated to be 19 million individuals; most of them experience this before the age of 20.
The unsettling fact from the WHO report states that 16% of adolescent girls reported experiencing such violence just in the previous year. This study highlights the importance of early onset IPV prevention strategies and interventions to help victims of IPV, using comprehensive data from international databases.
A study conducted in 2024 also indicates that the global prevalence of IPV among adolescents is strongly influenced by culture, economy, and society. Some of the world’s highest rates are found in parts of Oceania and Africa, where restrictive gender norms and systemic inequalities still put young women at a higher risk.
The same study also revealed other countries with high IPV prevalence, including Papua New Guinea and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where IPV rates are reported as 49% and 42%, respectively. European countries, on the other hand, report much lower numbers of IPV, which reportedly impact only 10% of adolescent girls.
These differences suggest that IPV is a global problem, but its severity is often compounded by inadequate legal protections, poverty, and cultural attitudes that normalize or justify violence against women.
WHO further highlights in the report that with the devastating impact of IPV, adolescent girls encounter significant barriers when trying to seek help. They are usually afraid to report abuse due to stigma or retaliation from their families or communities.
In many parts of the world, especially those with restrictive views about sexuality, discussing intimate relationships is considered inappropriate, isolating victims with little support. There are also legal and institutional barriers that make matters worse. Many countries lack robust laws to protect children from IPV.
Many times, legal frameworks do exist, but their enforcement is typically weak. Further, many young girls lack access to other youth-friendly support services, including counseling, shelter, and legal, making it even harder to leave abusive relationships.
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As per the World Bank, addressing IPV among adolescent girls will require a multi-faceted approach including educational initiatives, legal reforms, community engagement, and improved support services. School-based programs that teach young people about healthy relationships, consent, and conflict resolution could be key to preventing IPV before it starts.
The World Bank’s article “Breaking the Cycle of Violence Against Adolescents” highlights several interventions and initiatives aimed at combating violence against adolescent girls:
Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment (AGILE) in Nigeria
This project addresses key drivers of violence, such as school dropout, early marriage, and gender-based violence. Through scholarships, safe spaces, and community-based programs, AGILE has increased secondary school enrollment for girls from 900,000 to over 1.6 million in seven Nigerian states. By keeping girls in school, the initiative not only delays marriage but also equips them with the knowledge and skills to resist violence and advocate for themselves.
Sahel Women’s Empowerment and Demographic Dividend (SWEDD)
Operating across seven West African countries, SWEDD has established 3,400 safe spaces for out-of-school adolescents, providing life skills and gender-based violence prevention training. The project has also trained 24,000 husbands and future husbands to increase men’s participation in household tasks and challenge harmful gender norms. By addressing both the girls at risk and the men who play a role in perpetuating harmful practices, SWEDD works to break the cycle of violence in these communities.
International Organizations such as UN Women and UNICEF have laid down comprehensive strategies as means of course correction. Community initiatives that challenge harmful gender norms and foster gender equality can also be a flagbearer for changing societal attitudes towards condescending attitudes toward women. Additionally, governments and policymakers need to focus on strengthening legal protections for minors, in particular by ensuring IPV legislation is both comprehensive and properly enforced.
It is imperative to provide accessible and confidential support services for adolescent survivors of IPV. Countries must invest in helplines, safe shelters, and mental health services. Human rights organizations say these facilitating services should have adequate agency to cater to the needs of young victims.
Research on IPV among adolescents must also expand its scope to understand underlying factors that propel this violence and develop potential solutions. In the absence of reliable data and continuous research, as well as monitoring interventions, these interventions may not target the root cause of IPV or the population at risk.
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IPV among adolescent girls is a dark representation of critical public health and human rights crises that cannot be overlooked. The issue requires a global commitment to prevent, protect, and hold accountable.
Measures such as empowering young women through education, strengthening laws, and fostering social change can put an end to the cycle of violence. A faithful effort can help build a future where adolescent girls can grow into thriving communities, free from fear of abuse. As international organizations, governments, and communities work together to tackle this challenge, solutions must be holistic and sustainable, ensuring a life free from violence for every girl in the world.
