Vienna, Austria - A new report released by the United Nations on Monday reveals that approximately 85,000 women and girls were intentionally killed globally in 2023. This staggering statistic translates to one woman being killed every 10 minutes by their partner or other family member.

The report, published jointly by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women, marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It highlights the alarming prevalence of intimate partner and family-related femicide, which accounted for 60 percent of all female homicides last year.

Africa recorded the highest rates of intimate partner and family-related femicide in 2023, followed by the Americas and Oceania.

"The new femicide report highlights the urgent need for strong criminal justice systems that hold perpetrators accountable, while ensuring adequate support for survivors," said UNODC Executive Director Ghada Waly. She emphasized the critical importance of addressing and dismantling the gender biases, power imbalances, and harmful social norms that perpetuate violence against women.