Violence against women is a public health problem that affects more than half of women in some countries in the Americas. The damage caused by intimate partner violence and sexual violence can last a lifetime and extend to generations, with adverse effects on health, education and employment.

Children also suffer as a result of violence against women, indirectly and directly as covíctimas witnesses, and are at greater risk of becoming perpetuators of similar violence in adulthood.

PAHO / WHO is working to improve the information available on this violence against women, to achieve improved health services to attend to the victims and strengthen primary prevention efforts. Primary prevention of this violence can save lives, protect the physical and economic well-being and development of individuals and communities.