The Invisible Crisis: The Role of Data in Addressing Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) affects millions of women and girls worldwide, yet the full extent of its impact remains obscured by a glaring lack of reliable data. This data gap makes it nearly impossible to design effective policies, allocate resources, and implement programs that address the crisis comprehensively. Without accurate information, many survivors—especially those affected by forms of violence like burn injuries—are left invisible and unsupported.

“Gender data is used for policy development and program design,” emphasizes UN Women. Yet, 44% of the data required to monitor gender-related indicators for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is still missing. Many countries lack the capacity to plan, produce, and standardize gender data, and in some regions, available information is more than a decade old. These gaps are particularly pronounced in areas like South-East Asia and the Eastern Mediterranean, where data on intimate partner violence and non-partner sexual violence is sparse or incomplete (WHO Violence Against Women Prevalence Estimates 2018).

The absence of burn violence data is especially concerning. Intentional burns, often resulting from acid attacks or dowry disputes, disproportionately affect women and girls. Yet this form of violence is rarely included in GBV statistics or broader health monitoring systems. Without data, policymakers cannot gauge its prevalence or allocate resources effectively, perpetuating a cycle of invisibility and neglect for survivors.

Addressing these data gaps requires systemic changes. UN Women highlights the need for institutional support through increased staffing, regular funding, and stronger stakeholder engagement. Dedicated surveys, like the WHO Multi-country Study on Domestic Violence, are considered the gold standard for reliable prevalence data. These surveys must ensure ethical and safe practices, as women are more likely to disclose experiences of violence in supportive, well-structured environments.

Health monitoring mechanisms should also integrate data on burns and other injuries. The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery underscores the importance of tracking morbidity and mortality from surgical conditions, including injuries and burns, in household surveys. Such integration would provide a clearer picture of the burden of burn violence, enabling both prevention and treatment efforts to be tailored to actual needs.

Reliable data is more than numbers—it represents the voices and experiences of survivors. By addressing the systemic barriers to collecting and standardizing data, we can ensure that GBV, including burn violence, is no longer hidden in the shadows. Empowering policymakers and healthcare workers with accurate information is a vital step toward creating a world where every woman and girl can live free from violence.