Globally, less than 40 per cent of women who experience violence seek help. Among those who do, less than 1 in 10 women turn to the police. Barriers include stigma, fear of retaliation, mistrust, and inaccessible services. Survivors who report violence often face additional concerns, such as discriminatory treatment and long delays in realizing justice.

Most countries have introduced services to support survivors, backed in some cases by laws and national action plans. But coverage, quality, and sustainability gaps persist. Services are often urban-centred or insufficiently resourced. Uneven coordination undermines quality and may result in dropped cases. Specialized services for women with disabilities, migrants, or those in humanitarian crises remain rare.

They can take multiple forms, such as:

• immediate safety, such as shelters and hotlines
• healthcare, such as medical exams and counselling
• legal aid to access the justice system
• economic support to recover and gain independence

When they are well-coordinated and resourced, centred on the rights of survivors, and grounded in international standards, services make a real and lasting difference. Survivors are more likely to seek help, obtain justice, and rebuild their lives. Perpetrators are less likely to get away with violent crimes.

Governments, including justice and security institutions, health and social service providers, and women’s rights organizations, often work together to strengthen integrated responses to violence against women and girls.

Partnerships may encompass:

• applying international standards
• strengthening police and judicial capacities to investigate cases
• improving coordination within and among service providers
• expanding awareness and access to essential services