Data from the WHO multicountry study on women’s health and domestic violence against women (García-Moreno C et al. WHO multicountry study on women’s health and domestic violence against women: initial results on prevalence, health outcomes and women’s responses. Geneva, WHO, 2005) reveal that: between 13% and 61% of women 15–49 years old report IPV at least once in their lifetime; between 6% and 59% report forced sexual violence, or an attempt at it, by an intimate partner in their lifetime; and 1% to 28% report physical abuse during pregnancy. Studies carried out in participant countries show a high prevalence of IPV and sexual violence.

A 2014 European study found prevalence rates in Europe for physical, sexual and psychological violence/physical and/or sexual violence by a partner or a non-partner against women from the age of 15 to range from 19 to 52% (European Union of fundamental rights).

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The prevalence of the above for countries who participated in the development of this toolkit was:

– Austria – 20%
– Germany – 35%
– Spain – 22%
– UK – 44%

It is important to acknowledge that domestic and sexual abuse is perpetrated against women and men, by women and men, and occurs in heterosexual and same-sex relationships. A recent study (The Crime Survey in England and Wales, 2012-13) revealed intimate partner violence by women against men, and amongst same-sex couples, both male and female, which needs to be analysed further toprovide a suitable professional response.