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Abused women

PAHO Calls for Improved Health Service Response to Violence Against Women

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) launched a new report on November 30, 2022, assessing the status of health sector responses to violence against women in the Americas. The report, titled "Addressing Violence Against Women in Health Policies and Protocols in the Americas: A Regional Status Report," reviews policies in PAHO's 35 Member States and offers a roadmap for health systems to join a multisectoral effort to address the issue. According to the report, one out of every three women in the Americas experience physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime, with intimate partner violence being the most common form of violence against women.

Key Takeaways:

  • The report assesses the status of health sector responses to violence against women in PAHO's 35 Member States and offers a roadmap for health systems to join a multisectoral effort to address the issue.
  • One out of every three women in the Americas experience physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime, with intimate partner violence being the most common form of violence against women.
  • Intimate partner violence is estimated to have affected up to 66 million women and girls in the region.
  • 83% of PAHO Member States have included issues related to violence against women in their health plans or policies.
  • 60% of countries in the region have at least one evidence-based protocol for addressing violence against women, but more needs to be done to enhance their quality and align them with best practices.
  • Only 54% of Member States included some aspect of first-line support (LIVES protocol) in their protocols.
  • Detailed health sector protocols are essential for providing quality care and mitigating consequences of violence against women.

Statistics:

  • 1 in 3 women in the Americas experience physical and/or sexual violence during their lifetime. (Source: World Health Organization)
  • Up to 66 million women and girls in the region are estimated to have experienced intimate partner violence. (Source: World Health Organization)
  • 83% of PAHO Member States have included issues related to violence against women in their health plans or policies. (Source: PAHO Report)
  • 60% of countries in the region have at least one evidence-based protocol for addressing violence against women. (Source: PAHO Report)
  • Only 54% of Member States included some aspect of first-line support (LIVES protocol) in their protocols. (Source: PAHO Report)

Sources:

  • Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). "Addressing violence against women in health policies and protocols in the Americas: a regional status report."
  • World Health Organization. "Global and regional estimates of violence against women: prevalence and health effects of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence."

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