Women are more likely to be victims of partner homicide
Women are much more likely than men to be killed by their intimate partner. The chart shows this across nine OECD countries in 2023.These deaths are rarely isolated events. Research shows that partner homicides are usually the endpoint of a long pattern of coercive control — behaviors such as surveillance, isolation, intimidation, restrictions on daily life, and physical violence.Recognizing both the gender imbalance and its roots in coercive control can help focus support services, encourage family and friends to act sooner, and increase social pressure against abusive behavior.While women face the highest risk from intimate partners, men make up about 80% of homicide victims globally. The gender split in partner homicides is therefore a striking exception.Explore more data on homicide rates where the perpetrator is an intimate partner.
