Prevalence of intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence against adolescent girls aged 15–19 years: technical brief

Overview

Adolescence is a critical stage of life, yet for many girls it is marked by violence that can harm their health, education and future prospects. Drawing on the 2023 global, regional and national violence against women prevalence estimates, this technical brief examines intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence against adolescent girls aged 15–19 years.

The findings show that violence starts early. More than one in five ever-married or partnered adolescent girls have been subjected to physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence, while an estimated 43 million girls aged 15–19 years have experienced intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both. The brief describes substantial variation in prevalence across regions and countries, explores intersecting factors driving violence, including gender inequality and discriminatory social norms, and highlights limitations and gaps in available data. It sets out implications for policy, programmes and research, emphasizing multisectoral prevention and response, survivor-centred services, sustained financing, and strengthened data, research and monitoring.