Legal Responses to Domestic Violence: Global Insights for Policy and Practice

Domestic violence (DV) remains one of the most widespread human rights violations, affecting nearly one in three women globally. While most countries have now adopted DV laws, progress in implementation and enforcement remains uneven. This study examines how the presence, type, and comprehensiveness of DV laws relate to intimate partner violence (IPV) prevalence worldwide.

DV laws correlate with lower violence rates

Countries with DV laws report about 22% lower rates of IPV.

Dedicated DV laws are more effective than general provisions

Laws focused specifically on DV, such as those adopted in Australia, are more closely linked with better protection outcomes than broader family or gender-based violence laws.

Multiple complementary laws provide stronger protection

Countries with several legal instruments addressing DV, such as dedicated DV laws alongside criminal code provisions, as seen in Vietnam, show more comprehensive and consistent protection frameworks.

High-income countries adopted laws decades earlier than lower-income regions

High-income and Latin American countries have widespread laws; in contrast, many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East and North Africa still lack comparable legal measures.

Strong governance and women’s rights amplify law effectiveness

Lower levels of IPV are observed not only in countries with strong DV laws, but also where governance is stronger, income levels are higher, and women enjoy greater economic and political rights, as demonstrated by Ireland.

DV legislation is an essential foundation for national responses to violence against women, but laws alone are not enough. Their impact depends on how they are designed, enforced, and supported within broader gender equality systems.

Countries that combine strong DV laws with robust institutional frameworks, including law enforcement, accessible support services, and adequate funding, tend to achieve better protection outcomes. Ultimately, progress in addressing IPV requires coordinated efforts that link legislation with practical implementation.

Adopt and strengthen stand-alone DV legislation

Ensure coverage of all forms of violence: physical, sexual, psychological, and economic.

Invest in implementation systems

Train police and judicial officers, expand access to shelters and legal aid, and fund monitoring mechanisms.

Enhance data and accountability

Improve collection of IPV and DV data and publish enforcement outcomes regularly to track progress as highlighted in the annual report by Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) Commissioner.

Fisher, J., Lukas, E., Mavisakalyan, A., & True, J. (2025). Regulation of domestic violence: a global perspective. BMC Public Health, 25(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-025-24489-z