Violence can take many forms and is a serious public health problem. The WHO defines four main categories of violence which are physical, sexual, psychological, and deprivation and/or neglect. Additionally, several people – especially women – suffer economic violence which can take the form of limited access to funds or credit, and barriers in access to employment, healthcare, education, and other economic resources or activities.

Globally, millions of people suffer violence-related injuries and over 470,000 people die from homicide every year.

Some populations are at particular risk of violence including women, young children, the elderly, ethnic and sexual minorities, and youth.

Violence against women is particularly prevalent with 1 in 3 women and girls reporting being subject to sexual or non-sexual violence during their lifetimes. Most of this violence is intimate partner violence. Women are also disproportionately likely to face violence through human trafficking.

Children are also susceptible to different forms of violence including physical violence from their caregivers and peers, emotional violence such as bullying, and sexual violence.

Beyond physical injury, exposure to violence increases the risk of mental problems, and habits such as smoking, alcohol, and drug use, as well as chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes and cancer

Violence against youth can range from bullying at school and physical altercations to more serious incidents involving severe physical or sexual assault or homicide. Over 42% of homicides affect youth aged 10-29 years.

Campaigns to prevent and end violence are essential to ensuring that people around the world lead safe and healthy lives.