Domestic Violence: An Urgent Humanitarian Crisis
The Latest
Domestic violence
Violence against women is one of the most widespread of human rights abuses. In war-torn regions where destruction, displacement and lawlessness breed yet more violence, women increasingly face abuse in their homes. Around the world, the IRC helps survivors heal and works with communities and institutions to break the cycle of violence.
More Slideshows ›
How We Help
In all of our humanitarian programs, the International Rescue Committee is committed to the full empowerment and participation of women and girls. In 2011 the IRC:
- Counseled and cared for nearly 16,000 survivors of sexual violence and trained 590,000 women, men and children to lead prevention efforts in their communities.
- Supported 2,255 schools attended by 420,000 students, 193,000 of them girls.
- Helped 192,000 women deliver healthy babies in IRC-supported clinics and hospitals.
- Created or obtained over 8,300 jobs for women and young women.
Domestic Violence in the Media
In Focus: Domestic Violence in West Africa
In our work in countries recovering from war in West Africa, the IRC has found that the greatest threat to women's safety is not a man with a gun or a stranger. It is their husbands.
In March, members of an IRC commission met with women in Liberia and Sierra Leone and from Ivory Coast, to hear their perspectives on domestic violence. We also met with met with key government and justice officials.
Press Release l Commission Report and Recommendations
Video: IRC Global Crescendo project, 2008







