Measuring non-partner sexual violence against women: data availability, methodological issues and recommendations for good practice

Overview

This briefing note focuses on the measurement of sexual violence against women and girls aged 15 years and older by persons other than an intimate partner. Intended for researchers, national statistics offices and others involved in collecting data on violence against women, it aims to strengthen methodologies and national capacities for generating high-quality, robust data. Drawing on WHO global evidence reviews, reanalysis of prevalence data and expert consultations, the brief summarizes current knowledge on data availability and quality and examines key conceptual, measurement and reporting challenges.

The briefing note provides recommendations for improving survey-based measurement, including adherence to ethical and safety standards, clear definitions of partners and non-partners, use of behaviour-specific questions, pilot and cognitive testing, and appropriate measures and timeframes for non-partner sexual violence, sexual harassment and technology-facilitated sexual violence. It also identifies priorities for future methodological research, with the overall aim of improving the validity, reliability and comparability of data and strengthening national and international monitoring.