We won’t stop until every woman and child is protected from violence
The problem
Violence Against Women and Children
Violence affects millions of women and children around the world. Those living in poverty are some of the most vulnerable to a range of everyday forms of violence—including sexual violence and domestic violence. When a man assaults his wife or partner, it’s seen as a “family matter” handled inside the home instead of reported to authorities. Sexual violence against children is frequent, and courts are ill-equipped to handle these cases and can’t respond when these women and children desperately need protection.
Nearly 1 in 5 girls is sexually abused at least once in her life.
More than 570 million women are estimated to be subject to gender-based violence annually.
Worldwide, up to 50% of sexual assaults are committed against girls under 16 years old.
Forms of Violence Against Women and Children
Sexual Violence
Women and children experience crimes like rape, sexual assault, molestation and other forms of sexual abuse.
Domestic Violence
Women are particularly vulnerable to violent abuse by their spouses or partners.
Our solution
Our Community Protection Model
We help restore survivors of violence, build justice system capacity to identify and restrain offenders, and assist local authorities' efforts to prosecute and hold them accountable.
Our goal is to prevent violence from happening in the first place. That’s why IJM and our partners pursue sustainable improvements in local justice systems and build communities where all people can expect to be safe and protected.
Our Global Impact
Victims relieved from sexual and domestic violence
Women and children restored to safety and strength through IJM’s aftercare program and partners since 2013
Widows and orphans returned to their homes since 2004
Where we and our partners work to protect women and children from violence
MEET ANAELÍ
Anaelí* was abused and threatened to keep quiet.
When Anaelí was 11 years old, she was raped by three different men. None of them were strangers to her, and all of them threatened her or her little brother if she dared to tell what had happened. Frightened and confused, Anaelí kept quiet. But thanks to compassionate IJM supporters like you, her rescue was coming.
Explore more stories related to
Violence Against Women and Children:
Recent Handbook Catalogues Landmark Leap Towards Stronger Child Protection
20-Year Jail Sentence for Sexual Violence Against a 16-Year-Old Girl
Una vista inolvidable: Justice in Guatemala
Man sentenced to 50 years in prison for sexually abusing a 7-year old girl
Violence Against Women and Children Resources
We are seeing evidence that IJM’s model works—that enforcing the law deters criminals and protects people from violence. Here’s proof: