The Top Three Issues of Violence Against Women in 2024
International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women
Every year on November 25, we observe the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women—a blunt reminder of the continuing battle for women's safety and dignity worldwide. And despite decades of activism and progress, violence is increasing, fueled by weaponized technology. In 2024, three critical issues stand out.
1. The Rise of Technology-Enabled Abuse
In 2024, misogyny continues to weaponize technology. Perpetrators are leveraging advanced tech to stalk, harass, and control women like never before. From spyware apps secretly installed on devices to AI-powered tools used to create deepfake pornography, technology continues to be a weapon of abuse.
Social media platforms have also become hunting grounds for predators. Women are targeted with revenge porn, sextortion scams, and relentless online harassment. Emerging content on platforms like TikTok and YouTube—dubbed “dark psychology” tutorials—teaches coercion tactics, enabling abusers to manipulate and control their victims.
Domestic abuse survivors increasingly discover spyware on their phones, installed by partners to track her every move. This violation of privacy leave victims feeling powerless, highlighting how technology can amplify abusers' reach.
To address this, tech companies must be held accountable for safeguarding women on their platforms. Governments need to implement stricter regulations on spyware and AI tools while investing in education to teach women how to protect themselves digitally.
2. Intimate Partner Violence and Coercive Control
Intimate partner violence (IPV) remains one of the most widespread and devastating forms of violence against women. According to the U.N. “Over five women or girls are killed every hour worldwide by someone in their own family. And no country is within reach of eradicating intimate partner violence.” In 2024, coercive control—a form of psychological violence where abusers manipulate, isolate, and dominate their partners—is finally receiving increased attention and regulation by state legislators, but not enough.
Unlike overt physical violence, coercive control and psychological violence can be subtle, making it harder for victims to identify and for law enforcement to address. It includes tactics such as financial abuse, restricting communication with friends and family, and constant surveillance. This year, economic challenges have exacerbated IPV, as financial dependence traps many women in abusive relationships.
For example, Maria*, a single mother, shared her story of financial abuse where her partner controlled all household finances, leaving her unable to leave despite the escalating emotional and physical abuse. Stories like Maria’s are painfully common.
Again, this is an issue that governments must address. But we can all work toward raising awareness surrounding coercive control and spreading information on accessible resources, such as emergency housing and financial aid for survivors. Legal systems in the U.S. need to recognize and criminalize coercive control, as several countries, including the UK and Australia, have begun to do.
3. Sexual Violence and the Accountability Gap
Despite growing awareness, sexual violence continues to plague universities, workplaces, and public spaces. Cases of sexual assault on college campuses remain alarmingly high, with institutions often failing to hold perpetrators accountable. High-profile incidents, such as the mishandling of Clery Act violations at major universities, reveal systemic gaps in protecting survivors.
Beyond educational institutions, workplaces are also under scrutiny. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, women account for 72.5 percent of all nonfatal workplace violence cases. And harassment remains rampant in industries with unequal gender representation. Women reporting abuse often face retaliation, public shaming, or disbelief, deterring others from coming forward.
One stark example is the case of Sarah (not her real name), who reported sexual harassment by her supervisor, only to face demotion and isolation within her team. Her experience underscores how systemic failures discourage survivors from seeking justice.
This accountability gap also extends to the legal system, where lengthy trials and lenient sentences for offenders perpetuate the cycle of violence. Addressing this issue requires legislative reform, including survivor-centered reporting processes, stricter enforcement of workplace harassment laws, and accountability for organizations that fail to act.
Looking Ahead
These issues—technology-facilitated abuse, intimate partner violence, and sexual violence—highlight the growing challenges women face in 2024. But they also present with opportunity for change. We’re working toward a future where violence against women is no longer a daily reality and invite you to join us.
