Imagine this: every 10 minutes, a woman somewhere in the world is killed by a partner or family member. That’s the gut-wrenching reality laid bare by the 2023 global femicide report from UN Women and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). In total, 51,100 women and girls were murdered by someone they should’ve been able to trust last year—a staggering 60% of all intentional killings of women globally.

Here’s the kicker: the deadliest place for women isn’t some dark alleyway or crime-ridden street. It’s their home.

For many, what should be a sanctuary has become a war zone. And if that doesn’t make your blood boil, the numbers in this report will.

Why Are Women Most at Risk at Home?

It’s the heartbreaking irony we can’t ignore: women are most likely to face lethal violence in the one place they should feel safest. The data is clear. For every 100 women intentionally killed last year, nearly 60 of them died at the hands of their partners or family members. Compare that to men: while 80% of all homicide victims are men, only 12% of them die from violence within their homes.

Cultural norms, toxic masculinity, and gender inequality fuel this crisis. In Latin America, machismo—a deeply ingrained cultural expectation of male dominance—plays a significant role. Women in this region face alarming rates of violence, often from intimate partners. Add to that factors like systemic inequality and lack of accountability, and the picture becomes even grimmer.

Latinas and the Femicide Epidemic

Latina women bear the brunt of gender-based violence in the Americas. Across the region, violence against women peaks during major cultural moments, like soccer matches or in countries with strong patriarchal traditions. Take Mexico, where 11 women are killed every single day, often by someone they know.

In South America, the risk isn’t just about toxic relationships—it’s embedded in a societal framework that has normalized violence against women. Reports reveal that many femicide victims had already sought help, reporting abuse to authorities before their deaths.

But here’s the most infuriating part: the systems in place to protect women often fail. Restrictive gun laws could save lives, yet many perpetrators still access firearms. Protective orders could prevent murders, yet enforcement remains lax in too many cases.

Let’s Talk Numbers: Breaking Down Regional Differences in Femicide Rates

The report highlights glaring disparities across regions:

  • Africa: The highest rates of femicide per capita, with 2.9 women killed per 100,000 people.
  • The Americas: A disturbing 1.6 victims per 100,000, with intimate partners often the primary perpetrators.
  • Asia: Lower rates at 0.8 per 100,000, but the problem remains hidden due to underreporting.
  • Europe: The lowest rate at 0.6 per 100,000, yet nearly two-thirds of women killed in the region were murdered by intimate partners.

For Latinas in the U.S., the issue is just as pressing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), homicide is a leading cause of death for Latinas under 45. Many of these cases involve domestic violence.

Why Is This Happening? Let’s Get Real

The femicide epidemic isn’t just about violent individuals—it’s about a system that allows violence to fester. Here’s what’s driving it:

  • Alcohol and Substance Abuse: Many killings occur during moments of heightened emotional arousal, often fueled by alcohol or drugs.
  • Systemic Inequalities: Women in marginalized communities, especially Black and Latina women, are at higher risk due to socioeconomic barriers and inadequate access to resources.
  • Cultural Norms: In many cultures, male dominance and control over women are seen as acceptable, even desirable traits.
  • Weak Legal Systems: From failing to enforce restraining orders to poor data collection, governments worldwide aren’t doing enough to protect women.

The Untold Stories Behind the Femicide Numbers

Every statistic represents a woman who deserved better. Women like those in South Africa, France, and Colombia, who reported abuse to authorities but still lost their lives. Women like the countless Latinas who face systemic racism and sexism, making it even harder to access help.

And what about the women we don’t hear about? Many femicides go unreported or misclassified, especially in countries with poor data systems. This means the true scope of the crisis is likely even worse than we think.

What Needs to Change?

The UN report doesn’t just highlight the problem—it calls for action. Among the key recommendations:

  • Stronger Laws: Governments must implement and enforce laws that protect women, like firearm restrictions for abusers and mandatory restraining orders.
  • Better Data: Accurate and consistent data collection is essential for understanding and addressing the crisis.
  • Cultural Shifts: Communities must challenge the norms that perpetuate violence, from toxic masculinity to victim-blaming.
  • Increased Funding: To meet the growing demand, women’s shelters, advocacy groups, and support networks need more resources.

We Can—and Must—Do Better

Let’s be clear: femicide isn’t inevitable. It’s preventable. Every woman killed is a failure of society to protect its most vulnerable. As UN Women Executive Director Sima Bahous puts it, “Violence against women and girls is not inevitable—it is preventable.”

The data is devastating, but it’s also a wake-up call. Governments, communities, and individuals all have a role to play in stopping the femicide epidemic. Because every woman deserves to feel safe in her own home.

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