Fact Check: Violence against women is a widespread societal problem.

Fact Check: "Violence against women is a widespread societal problem."

What We Know

Violence against women is a significant and pervasive issue globally. According to the Global Database on Violence against Women and Girls, nearly one in three women worldwide has experienced physical and/or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime, often at the hands of current or former intimate partners. In the United States, statistics reveal that approximately 35.6% of women have experienced physical abuse, stalking, or rape by an intimate partner during their lives, as noted in the Domestic Violence Statistics.

The prevalence of domestic violence is alarming, with a median of 24 people victimized every minute by domestic violence, rape, or stalking by a partner in the U.S. alone. Furthermore, about 91% of rape victims are women, and the majority of these crimes are committed by men, highlighting a gender disparity in victimization and perpetration (Domestic Violence Statistics, Global Database on Violence against Women and Girls).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim that violence against women is a widespread societal problem is robust and comes from credible sources. The World Health Organization and various governmental reports consistently indicate high rates of violence against women, underscoring its prevalence across different cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.

However, while the statistics are alarming, it is essential to consider the context and limitations of the data. For instance, many cases of violence against women go unreported due to stigma, fear of retaliation, or lack of trust in law enforcement. This underreporting can skew the perceived prevalence of the issue. Additionally, the data often focuses on physical and sexual violence, which may overlook other forms of abuse, such as emotional or psychological violence, that are also significant.

The sources used in this analysis are generally reliable, with the Domestic Violence Statistics being a comprehensive report based on extensive surveys and research conducted by reputable organizations. The Global Database on Violence against Women and Girls also provides a thorough overview of governmental measures to combat violence against women, further supporting the claim of its widespread nature.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "violence against women is a widespread societal problem" is supported by substantial evidence from credible sources. The high prevalence rates of physical and sexual violence against women, coupled with the systemic issues surrounding underreporting and societal stigma, affirm that this is indeed a significant societal problem that requires urgent attention and action.

Sources

1. GHO | Visualizations | Violence against women
2. Perplexity
3. Domestic Violence Statistics - Key Facts And Figures (2025)
4. Débuter avec Perplexity
5. Global Database on Violence against Women and Girls
6. Einführung in Perplexity
7. Domestic Violence Statistics 2024 - Break The Cycle
8. Introducing Perplexity Deep Research