Home is most dangerous place for women as one is killed every 10 minutes by relative: UN

The United Nations on Monday stated that around 50,000 women and girls were killed in 2024 by their close family members, with the report highlighting that one woman is murdered every 10 minutes. It added that this reflects the lacklustre global response to curbing femicide.

According to the UN report, 50,000 women and girls were killed in 2024, a figure slightly lower than in 2023 but not enough to indicate an actual decrease. The findings were released to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

The breakdown of these 50,000 cases, based on data from 117 countries, shows that 137 women were killed per day, or one woman every ten minutes, the report noted.

It further added that 60 percent of women killed worldwide were targeted by male members of their own families, including uncles, relatives, fathers, brothers, and partners. In contrast, only 11 percent of male murder victims were killed by someone close to them.

The report suggests that even women and girls are not safe in their own homes.

“Home continues to be the most dangerous place for women and girls in terms of the risk of homicide,” the study said.

Femicide continues to claim tens of thousands of lives each year, with no sign of improvement or real decline. Meanwhile, Africa remains the worst-affected region, recording 22,000 femicide cases.

"Femicides don't happen in isolation. They often sit on a continuum of violence that can start with controlling behaviour, threats, and harassment — including online," Sarah Hendricks, Director of UN Women's Policy Division, said in a statement.

The report further noted that the rise of digital tools, social media, and AI has worsened violence. Posting fake AI-generated images, and using someone’s personal details to harass or endanger them, are emerging forms of abuse that are easier to commit.