WHO: about 43 million girls aged 15-19 have faced partner or sexual violence
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A WHO brief published on 5 October 2026 estimates nearly 30% of girls aged 15-19, about 43 million, have faced partner or non-partner sexual violence.
What Happened
Nearly three in ten adolescent girls aged 15 to 19 around the world have experienced violence from an intimate partner, sexual violence from someone other than a partner, or both, at least once in their lives, according to a new technical brief published by the World Health Organization on 5 October 2026. Based on estimates for 2023, the WHO puts the number at about 43 million girls. The agency said the figures are likely to understate the problem, because many girls never tell anyone or report what happened to them.
Key Facts
- Publisher: World Health Organization, technical brief released on 5 October 2026.
- Overall: nearly 30% of girls aged 15 to 19, about 43 million, have experienced intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both in their lifetime.
- Among girls in this age group who have ever had a partner, an estimated 23% have faced physical or sexual violence from a partner at least once.
- 16% of those girls experienced partner violence in the past year.
- 8% of all girls aged 15 to 19 have experienced sexual violence from someone who was not a partner.
- The estimates are for 2023; the WHO says they most likely capture only part of the picture because of under-reporting.
Why It Matters
The late teens are when many girls have their first relationships, and these numbers show how often those relationships turn harmful. When almost one in four girls who have had a partner has already faced physical or sexual violence from that partner, and one in six faced it in the past year alone, the problem is not rare or exceptional. It is common, and it starts early.
For families and teachers, the findings are a reason to talk with girls, and boys, about consent, respect and the warning signs of controlling behaviour before the first relationship, not after something goes wrong.
The WHO's warning on under-reporting matters as much as the headline number. Many girls stay silent out of fear, shame or because they do not see what happened as abuse. Adults who notice a sudden change in a teenager, such as withdrawal from friends, falling marks or fear of a partner, can make it easier for her to speak by listening without blame.
For women balancing work and family, the brief is also a reminder that wellbeing at home includes safety. A daughter, a younger sister or a niece in her teens may need support that she will not ask for directly. Schools, health workers and helplines all have a role, but the first conversation often happens at home.
| Measure (girls aged 15-19) | WHO estimate |
|---|---|
| Experienced partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both | Nearly 30% (about 43 million) |
| Partner violence in lifetime (among those who ever had a partner) | 23% |
| Partner violence in past year (among those who ever had a partner) | 16% |
| Non-partner sexual violence in lifetime (all girls) | 8% |
Impact
Short-term: The brief gives governments, schools and health services up-to-date figures to plan prevention and support for teenage girls.
Long-term: Earlier action on healthy relationships and on safe ways for girls to report violence could reduce harm that otherwise follows young women into adulthood.
Who is affected: Teenage girls and their families, teachers and school counsellors, health workers, and policy makers working on violence against women.
Key Takeaway
The WHO estimates that about 43 million girls aged 15 to 19, nearly 30%, have faced partner or sexual violence, and says the real number is likely higher.
Questions and Answers
How many adolescent girls have experienced violence, according to the WHO?
The WHO's 5 October 2026 brief estimates that nearly 30% of girls aged 15 to 19, about 43 million, have experienced intimate partner violence, non-partner sexual violence, or both.
How common is violence from a partner among teenage girls?
Among girls aged 15 to 19 who have ever had a partner, about 23% have experienced physical or sexual violence from a partner, and 16% experienced it in the past year.
Why does the WHO say the real figure may be higher?
Because many girls never disclose or report violence, the WHO says its estimates most likely show only part of the problem.
What can parents do?
Talk early and openly with teenagers about consent, respect and controlling behaviour, watch for changes such as withdrawal or fear of a partner, and listen without blame if a girl chooses to speak.
Sourced and fact-checked by the Peepals Global Editorial Team
Reported, fact-checked and published by the Peepals Global Editorial Team.
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