UN report: A woman killed every 10 minutes by family or partner

WISE NEWS PRESS / NEW YORK, USA — Nov. 25, 2025

A woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member every 10 minutes somewhere in the world, according to a harrowing new study released by the United Nations.

The report, published jointly by the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and UN Women to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, reveals that approximately 50,000 women and girls lost their lives at the hands of those closest to them in 2024. These figures account for 60% of all female homicides globally, underscoring a grim reality: for women, the home remains the deadliest place.

Home remains the 'deadliest place'

Despite efforts to curb gender-based violence, the data shows that the sanctuary of the home is often a site of lethal danger. "Fem-icides are not isolated incidents; they are often the culmination of a cycle of violence that includes controlling behavior, threats, and harassment," said Sarah Hendriks, Director of the Policy Division at UN Women.

While femicides occur outside the home, data on such cases remains limited. The report emphasizes that lethal violence is often preceded by a history of abuse. In Albania, for instance, 90% of femicide victims had previously suffered violence from the perpetrator.

Regional disparities and perpetrator profiles

The report highlights significant regional differences in the rates of violence. Africa records the highest rate of femicide by partners or family members, with nearly three victims per 100,000 women. This is followed by the Americas (1.5), Oceania (1.4), Asia (0.7), and Europe (0.5).

However, the profile of the killer varies by region. In Europe and the Americas, intimate partners were responsible for the majority of these killings in 2024—accounting for 64% and 69% of cases, respectively—rather than other family members.

John Brandolino, UNODC's interim executive director, noted that for too many women, the home continues to be "a dangerous and sometimes deadly place." Common motives cited include jealousy, refusal to accept a breakup, or retaliation for reporting abuse to the police.

The growing threat of digital violence and firearms

The UN report identifies firearms and technology as key "enablers" of femicide. Data suggests that the presence of a firearm in a domestic violence situation increases the likelihood of homicide significantly and raises the risk of multiple victims by 70%.

Technology is increasingly weaponized as a tool of control. The report warns of emerging threats such as online harassment, doxing (publishing private information without consent), and technology-facilitated violence. An analysis of domestic homicides in the UK found that in nearly 60% of cases, technology was used to exert coercive control or surveillance prior to the murder.

The study calls for stronger laws, better enforcement of protection orders, and targeted interventions to break the cycle of violence before it turns fatal.

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