Vanuatu cuts intimate partner violence by 20% in 15 years—now what?

A new survey shows a significant drop in intimate partner violence in Vanuatu over the past 15 years. The 2024 findings reveal a decline from 44% in 2009 to 35% today, marking the fastest reduction in the Asia-Pacific region. Researchers and local organisations are now calling for stronger action to build on this progress. The 2024 survey, conducted using the World Health Organization’s (WHO) standardised tool, confirms a steady decrease in physical and sexual violence by partners. Between 2009 and 2024, Vanuatu’s annual reduction rate of 0.6 percentage points outpaced the global average of 0.2. This improvement is unmatched by any other country in the region with comparable long-term data.

The study also expanded into new areas, including violence during disasters, technology-facilitated abuse, and the long-term impact of intimate partner violence. Findings showed that 21% of women reported sexual abuse by non-partners, while 30% of girls experienced sexual abuse before turning 15. Emotional violence dropped by three percentage points since 2009, though coercive control remains alarmingly high at 59%. The Vanuatu Women’s Centre (VWC), alongside the government and other partners, has driven these changes through decades of evidence-based strategies. Their work spans over 30 years, focusing on prevention, support services, and policy reforms.

The results highlight the effectiveness of sustained efforts in reducing violence against women. However, the report stresses the need for continued investment and faster action to address remaining challenges. Stakeholders must now focus on accelerating change, particularly in areas like coercive control and abuse during emergencies.