We won’t stop until every woman and child is protected from violence
The problem
Violence Against Women and Children
Violence affects millions of women and children around the world. Those living in poverty are some of the most vulnerable to a range of everyday forms of violence—including sexual violence and domestic violence. When a man assaults his wife or partner, it’s seen as a “family matter” handled inside the home instead of reported to authorities. Sexual violence against children is frequent, and courts are ill-equipped to handle these cases and can’t respond when these women and children desperately need protection.
Nearly 1 in 5 girls is sexually abused at least once in her life.
Nearly 736 million women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime.
Worldwide, up to 50% of sexual assaults are committed against girls under 16 years old.
Forms of Violence Against Women and Children
Sexual Violence
Women and children experience crimes like rape, sexual assault, molestation and other forms of sexual abuse.
Domestic Violence
Women are particularly vulnerable to violent abuse by their spouses or partners.
Our solution
Our Community Protection Model
We help restore survivors of violence, build justice system capacity to identify and restrain offenders, and assist local authorities' efforts to prosecute and hold them accountable.
Our goal is to prevent violence from happening in the first place. That’s why IJM and our partners pursue sustainable improvements in local justice systems and build communities where all people can expect to be safe and protected.
Our Global Impact
Victims relieved from sexual and domestic violence
Women and children restored to safety and strength through IJM’s aftercare program and partners since 2013
Widows and orphans returned to their homes since 2004
Where we and our partners work to protect women and children from violence
Explore more stories related to
Violence Against Women and Children:
Four Ways Survivors of Violence in Guatemala are Driving Changes
With a Groundbreaking 49 Convictions in 2024, PROBOS is Changing Access to Justice in Bolivia
Over 100 IJM Trained Judicial Advisors are Helping to Bridge Access to Justice in Peru
After 16 Years of Silence, Survivor of Sexual Violence Receives Justice
Violence Against Women and Children Resources
We are seeing evidence that IJM’s model works—that enforcing the law deters criminals and protects people from violence. Here’s proof:
IJM Justice Review: A Journal on Protection and Justice for the Poor
Final Evaluation of Program to Combat Sexual Violence Against Children and Adolescents in Guatemala 2005-2017
The Criminal Justice System Response to Child Sexual Assault in Guatemala: 2013–2017
A Performance Study of the Bolivian Public Justice System
Learn more about our Casework
Violence Against Women and Children
Women and children are particularly vulnerable to violence when no laws are enforced to protect them.
Learn more about this articleDomestic Violence
Learn more about this articleSexual Violence
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Slavery
Millions of men, women and children are trapped in modern-day slavery around the world.
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Sex Trafficking
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Labor Trafficking
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Online Sexual Exploitation of Children
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Forced Scamming
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Police Abuse of Power
When police are free to misuse their power, vulnerable people are the ones who suffer from their violent actions and false accusations.
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