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VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND CHILDREN

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.

More than 570 million women are estimated to be subject to gender-based violence annually.

Worldwide, up to 50% of sexual assaults are committed against girls under 16 years old.

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Forms of Violence Against Women and Children

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

12,800+

Victims relieved from sexual and domestic violence

2,500+

Women and children restored to safety and strength through IJM’s aftercare program and partners since 2013

3,300+

Widows and orphans returned to their homes since 2004

Where we and our partners work to protect women and children from violence

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SECURING JUSTICE IN GUATEMALA

In Central America, violence against women and children is the most common form of violence

When violence is completely normalized, it's easy to believe that change is impossible. But losing hope would be the worst mistake. IJM's work in Guatemala has shown that by increasing the chance of a perpetrator being convicted and reducing the backlog of cases, women and children can be successfully protected. The next step is to scale this solution to the whole country.

Explore more stories related to
Violence Against Women and Children:
IJM Peru and Paz y Esperanza Host Survivors Retreat
IJM Peru and NGO partner hosted the “More than Conquerors” retreat for child survivors of sexual violence in central Peru.
Recent Handbook Catalogs Landmark Leap Towards Stronger Child Protection
International Justice Mission published the first definitive guide to conducting Videotaped In-Depth Disclosure Interviews (VIDI) – a landmark leap...
20-Year Jail Sentence for Sexual Violence Against a 16-Year-Old Girl
16-year-old Sonia* was alone at home when her grandfather, Allen*, walked into the living room, which was separated by a curtain from her bedroom. He...
Man sentenced to 50 years in prison for sexually abusing a 7-year old girl
On a July evening Vania*, then 7, was walking back home from school when she met a man her family knew. The man forcefully grabbed Vania and dragged...

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

Together, we can end violence against women and children for good.

Will you send rescue and protection until everyone is free?

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 article

Slavery

Millions of men, women and children are trapped in modern-day slavery around the world.

Learn more about this article
OSEC

Online Sexual Exploitation of Children

Learn more about this article

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.

Learn more about this article

Media Contact

We're here to answer your questions. Please fill out the form below and someone from our team will follow up with you soon.

More Information

Petra Kooman

Director of Marketing and Public Relations
pkooman@ijm.ca
519.679.5030 x.229

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