Gender-responsive social protection and violence prevention: Thematic brief

Most violence experienced by women is perpetrated by an intimate partner, but violence against women and girls (VAWG) also includes broader forms of domestic violence, sexual violence perpetrated by non-partners, child marriage, modern slavery, trafficking, violence against children and sexual abuse and exploitation (SEA). Violence against women and girls has both immediate and long-term effects on the physical, sexual, and mental health of women and girls, hinders their participation in economic opportunities and society, puts greater strains on health care, and results in legal expenses and losses in productivity. Violence is exacerbated in the contexts of crises and instability, and for women and girls facing intersecting discrimination because of disability, LGBT+ status, race or ethnicity.