World Health Organization Multi‐Country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence Against Women

The World Health Organization (WHO) initiated the Multi-Country Study on Women's Health and Domestic Violence Against Women in 1997 in order to assess the magnitude and deleterious health consequences of domestic violence against women in 10 countries using rigorous population-based methods. The WHO Study is one of several international research initiatives that used population-based surveys to estimate the prevalence of violence against women across several countries and cultures. Studies consistently identify specific multiple layered risk factors for partner violence (PV), many of which were examined in the WHO Study. In addition to PV, the WHO Study collected data on physical and sexual abuse by men and women other than a current or former partner. The WHO Study found strong associations between violence against women and both physical and mental symptoms of ill-health among women.