More than 50,000 women and girls were killed by intimate partners or family members in 2024, averaging one death every 10 minutes. A new UNODC and UN Women report, released for the 2025 International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, says femicide shows “no sign of real progress.”
In total, 83,000 women and girls were intentionally killed worldwide last year. Sixty percent of those deaths were caused by partners or relatives. By contrast, only 11 percent of male homicide victims were killed by someone in their family or intimate circle. The report stresses that many of these killings are preventable with stronger protection systems.
Weak police responses and limited social support leave women and girls more vulnerable to fatal violence. It also notes that the real numbers are likely higher due to poor data, fear of reporting, and outdated legal definitions.
Pairs of women’s red shoes seen during the March 9 “A Day Without Us” protest, outside the National Palace in Mexico City. Photo by Gustavo Graf/Reuters