"Violence against women and girls is a human rights violation, public health pandemic and serious obstacle to sustainable development. It imposes large-scale costs on families, communities and economies. The world cannot afford to pay this price." - Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General

Why does it matter?

• Violence against women is a human rights violation.
• Violence against women is a consequence of discrimination against women, in law and also in practice, and of persisting inequalities between men and women.
• Violence against women impacts on, and impedes, progress in many areas, including poverty eradication, combating HIV/AIDS, and peace and security.
• Violence against women and girls is not inevitable. Prevention is possible and essential.
• Violence against women continues to be a global pandemic.