Increase in Violence Against Women and Girls: The Reality of "One Every Three Days" ─ Violence Against Women Becomes an "Invisible Pandemic"

"Violence against women is unacceptable"—this phrase has become a slogan for governments, international organizations, and companies worldwide. On November 25, the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women," cities are illuminated in orange, and messages of solidarity flow across social media timelines with hashtags.

Yet, the reality of the numbers is harsh. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that nearly one in three women globally experiences violence from a partner or others in their lifetime.World Health Organization

The situation is also severe in Germany, where the latest report from the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) indicates that approximately 266,000 people were victims of domestic violence in 2024, with about 187,000 of them being women and girls. The number of victims has increased by about 18% over the past five years, reaching a level that can be described as a "pandemic of violence."tagesspiegel.de

Why does it seem that the more we talk about "gender equality" and "diversity," the more real violence not only fails to decrease but appears to be increasing?

1. The "Invisible Pandemic" as Shown by the Numbers

According to a column in the German newspaper 'Tagesspiegel,' WHO estimates that "one in three women under the age of 50 has already experienced some form of violence."tagesspiegel.de

This figure represents a "global average" that includes not only developing countries but also developed countries where legal systems and support structures should be in place.

Furthermore, in Germany,

• the number of victims of domestic violence has increased by about 18% over the past five years

• In 2024, there were over 187,000 female victims of domestic violence

• Statistics show that one woman is killed by a current or former partner every three days

indicating a serious situation.tagesspiegel.de

These are just the tip of the iceberg. Much of the violence goes unreported, and there is an "undercount" that does not appear in the statistics. WHO reports repeatedly point out the issue of underreporting of incidents.World Health Organization

2. Why Does Violence Persist Despite "Legal Equality"?

Nicole Deitelhoff, an international political scientist and columnist for 'Tagesspiegel,' cites persistent gender norms as a background for the continued increase in violence.tagesspiegel.de

• Placing women in a subordinate position to men

• A culture that suggests men have the right to "discipline" their partners

• Even if legal equality exists, violence is often "overlooked" in practice

These elements are embedded throughout society.

For example,

• Harassment and emotional abuse are dismissed as "not a big deal"

• Victims are blamed for "not being patient enough"

• Perpetrators face light punishment, leading to repeated offenses

Such an atmosphere sends a message to perpetrators that "it's okay to go this far."

3. When "Polycrisis" Falls into the Home

Deitelhoff argues that the current increase in violence is also a symptom of a "polycrisis."tagesspiegel.de

Polycrisis refers to a state where

• Widening economic disparities

• Rising prices and housing difficulties

• Post-pandemic exhaustion

• Geopolitical crises like the Ukraine war and Middle East tensions

• Social unrest due to climate change

• Democratic backsliding and the rise of populism

are multiple crises that simultaneously and interdependently shake society.

While wars and elections may be reported as major news, their impact ultimately falls into the most familiar spaces, such as "homes" and "partnerships." When work and life become unstable and the future becomes uncertain,

• Stress outlets are directed at vulnerable partners and children

• Economic dependence on a partner narrows the options to escape violence

These chains of events occur.tagesspiegel.de

In other words, violence against women is not a "personal issue" but the first place where distortions appear when society as a whole is shaken.

4. "Memory" and "Solidarity" Taught by the International Day

November 25, the "International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women," is not just a campaign day.

• It began in 1981 when the women's movement in Latin America designated the day as one to fight violence against women

• In 1999, the UN General Assembly officially adopted it as an international day

• It is also a day to remember the Mirabal sisters, who were murdered on November 25, 1960, for opposing the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic

It is regarded as such.tagesspiegel.de

Orange is the symbolic color of the UN's "Orange the World" campaign. Around the world, bridges and buildings are illuminated in orange, sending a message to ensure that those affected by violence are not forgotten and that no more victims are created.

5. What Social Media Reveals About the "Current State"—Voices Mixed with Anger, Empathy, and Resignation

When the statistics and columns from Germany were reported, various reactions flooded social media. The voices reconstructed here are imagined but reflect a tone of shared anger and fatigue that can be found on timelines in any country.

① Shock at the Numbers

"One woman is killed by her partner every three days—what does 'home' even mean? Isn't it supposed to be a safe place?"

"They call it a 'pandemic of violence' like COVID, but the worst part is there's no vaccine."

② Frustration with Politics

"Another press conference saying 'we'll deal with it strictly.' Shelters and consultation centers are lacking, yet they say this."

"Why is it taking so long to implement electronic ankle bracelets (GPS monitoring)? Victims can't afford to wait."DIE WELT

③ Solidarity Among Survivors

"I called the police multiple times due to violence from my ex-partner, but they didn't take it seriously. I hope more people reading this news are in a safe place now."

"'That was just a lovers' quarrel,' they said, but it was violence. I used to doubt myself because of such comments."

④ Gradually Increasing Male Voices

"Honestly, reading the news as a man is tough. But thinking 'it's not my problem because I didn't do it' is just running away."

"If I see a friend speaking harshly to their partner, I'll step in. That's where it starts."

The accumulation of "likes" and reposts on such posts is gradually sharing the issue of violence as not just a "women's issue" but a societal problem. Meanwhile, posts that downplay the harm or incite backlash against feminism also exist, and comment sections often become arenas of intense conflict.The Guardian

Social media is a powerful tool for making survivors' voices visible, but it is also a dangerous place where secondary victimization and hate speech can spread.

6. What Brings Us Closer to a "Solution": Institutions, Communities, and Each of Us

There is no single magical solution to cut the roots of violence. However, there are many actions that, when accumulated, can certainly change the situation.

(1) Institutional and Policy Level

• Expansion of shelters and consultation centers
  Places where victims can immediately escape to and 24-hour consultation centers are lifelines.

• Training for police and judiciary
  It is necessary to train specifically for dealing with domestic violence and sexual violence and to adopt a stance of protecting victims' testimonies rather than doubting them.

• Sanctions against perpetrators and measures to prevent recidivism
  Enhancing the effectiveness of restraining orders and combining electronic monitoring with rehabilitation programs are approaches being discussed across Europe.DIE WELT

(2) Community, Workplace, and School

• Creating a culture that doesn't dismiss issues as "commonplace"##HTML_TAG_