5 Countries with the Highest Rates of Domestic Violence

In this article, we take a look at the 5 countries with the highest rates of domestic violence. If you would like a detailed analysis of the economic impact of domestic violence, check out the 20 Countries with the Highest Rates of Domestic Violence.

5. Solomon Islands

Percentage of violence: 50%

Percentage of child marriages: 21%

The high domestic violence rates in the Solomon Islands are exacerbated by the lack of adequate healthcare that prevents victims from getting the required attention they need. The country only has one tertiary care hospital, not enough for the entire population. Most of the Islands’ population resides in rural settings, making it all the more difficult for women to access emergency care when exposed to violence.

4. Bangladesh 

Percentage of violence: 50%

Percentage of child marriages: 51%

In addition to the high rates of domestic violence, UNICEF has also expressed concern about the ratio of child marriages in Bangladesh. The country ranks fourth in terms of child marriage prevalence as well, and the COVID-19 pandemic has pushed more girls into underage marriages. Consistent with other countries with high rates of domestic violence, most of the domestic abuse in Bangladesh is perpetrated by male spouses. Women are beaten and killed over matters as materialistic as dowry.

3. Papua New Guinea 

Percentage of violence: 51%

Studies in Papua New Guinea have found that almost 86% of women are beaten during pregnancy, endangering both the mother’s and the unborn child’s health. A report by Human Rights Watch mentioned that a woman is beaten every 30 seconds in the country, and over a million people experience gender-based violence each year. Out of the 15,444 cases reported in 2020, only 250 made it to the prosecution stage.

2. Fiji 

Percentage of violence: 52%

Many states from Oceania have made it to this list of countries with the highest rates of domestic violence, and Fiji comes in the second spot. The increase in domestic violence amid the COVID-19 pandemic in the country was labeled as a ‘crisis within a crisis’ by experts, which required immediate attention. A 2015 paper discovered that the cost of domestic violence to the local Fijian economy was 6.6% of the country’s entire GDP.

1. Kiribati 

Percentage of violence: 53%

Kiribati is first on the list of countries with the highest rates of domestic violence and presents dire circumstances. Out of all the women who report being domestically abused, 69% have faced two or more forms of violence, whereas 21% report having faced all four (physical, emotional, economic, or sexual). According to the president of the country, Taneti Maamau, many consider domestic violence a normal part of familial relationships. 

Disclosure: None. You can also check out 30 Countries with Highest Rates of Violent Crime and 30 Most Crime Ridden Cities in America.