One in every four women and girls have been sexually or physically abused by their male partners or husbands, according to a report by the World Health Organisation.
The report stated that domestic violence starts at a young age, with almost a quarter of young women and girls between the age of 15 and 19 years, abused at least once in their lives.
Most common cases of abuse were reported in 30- to 39-year-olds.
The report noted that if other forms of violence were included like online violence, the numbers would be much higher.
The report concluded that violence against women has been exacerbated by the Covid-19 pandemic.