A Woman is Assaulted or Beaten in the United States Every 9 Seconds

A shocking statistic shows that as many as one in three women will suffer symptoms of domestic abuse in their lifetime worldwide.

A leader of the World Health Organization's family, women's and children's health division, Flavio Bustreo, believes this reflects a bigger issue concerning 'normal' gender roles and stereotypes.

"This phenomenon cuts across the entire world," she said, via National Geographic.

Startling statistics show that every 9 seconds in the United States alone, a woman is assaulted or beaten, and in families, domestic violence is the leading cause of injury for women even before car accidents, muggings and rapes combined.

The WHO looked at statistics from 81 different countries, in which the scale of abuse was highest in Asia, specifically Bangladesh, East Timor, India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka and Thailand. Information showed that as many as 37.7 percent of women were affected by abuse.

The Middle East came in the next spot at 37 percent, with Sub-Saharan Africa following shortly after, at 36.6 percent.

Other high-income countries encountering a drop in rates but still significant findings included North America, the European Union, Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand.

"These data really show the tremendous toll violence has on the health of women," said Claudia Garcia-Moren, a WHO specialist on gender, reproductive rights, sexual health and adolescence.

Underlining the impact of such abuse, the WHO said that globally, 38 percent of female murder victims were killed by their partners.

In addition, it said, violence also leaves scars long after bruises disappear and memories fade. To add to that, many women affected by domestic violence may become infected with a sexually transmitted disease or unwanted pregnancy that could result in an abortion. 

The National Colation Against Domestic Violence also shows some women do not survive their partner's attack. Almost one-third of female homicide victims that are reported in police records are killed by an intimate partner.  

If you or someone you know needs help, don't wait. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline now at 1-800-799-7233.

And, if you know someone who is abusing a partner or believe you are showing symptoms of abusive tendencies, call 1-800-799-7233 for help.