Violence against women and girls is one of the most prevalent human rights violations in the world. Worldwide, an estimated one in three women will experience physical or sexual abuse in her lifetime.

Gender-based violence undermines the health, dignity, security and autonomy of its victims, yet it remains shrouded in a culture of silence.

UNFPA is one of the UN's lead agencies working to further gender equality and women’s empowerment, and to address the physical and emotional consequences of gender-based violence. UNFPA’s programmes offer psychosocial assistance, medical treatment and rape kits to survivors, and promote the right of all women and girls to live free of violence and abuse.

Crisis settings – affecting many Arab countries today - generally increase women’s vulnerability and makes them more likely to become victims of gender-based violence.  

Here is a quick fact sheet on gender-based violence in Iraq and UNFPA’s response.