The “Breaking the Silence for Equality” survey, released by the National Statistical Office as part of the SDC-funded UNFPA project “Combating Gender-based Violence in Mongolia”, “reinforces the extent of the problem and the devastating impact violence has on individuals,” said NSO Chair Ariunzaya Ayush.

“We now have reliable and robust evidence about the extent and nature of violence against women in Mongolia,” she said. “This data will be used to bring about policy and behaviour change to stop violence against women. We at NSO hope this data will be used to provide the best possible services to women who have been subjected to violence.”

Among the survey’s findings were:

• 57.9 percent of partnered women had experienced one or more of the following forms of abuse in their lifetime: Physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence, and controlling behaviours; 31.2 percent had experienced physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime.

• Reported incidences of all forms of partner violence were highest in Khentii, Darkhan-Uul, Umnugovi and Govisumber aimags, and in Ulaanbaatar, while physical and sexual abuse was highest in Darkhan-Uul, Umnugovi, Govisumber, Bulgan and Khovd aimags.

• Ulaanbaatar’s population reflects the highest number of victims of abuse but not necessarily the prevalence.

• One in 10 women were sexually abused before the age of 15.

• Irrespective of social and economic status, one in four women said a husband was justified in beating his wife if she was unfaithful.

SDC Mongolia Director of Cooperation Gabriella Spirli said good data was but the first step in a much-needed comprehensive response to gender-based violence.

“The survey results should be analysed and used to inform decision-makers to take systematic measures,” Ms Spirli said. “It should be used to create real solutions to combat gender-based violence and to prevent and protect victims.”

UNFPA Mongolia Representative Naomi Kitahara said in addition to depriving women of their right to fully participate in social and economic life, gender-based violence also impacted on women’s physical and mental health, and in some incidences resulted in death. “We must do everything in our power to put an end to gender-based violence,” she said.

The survey findings have already prompted the project steering committee to identify 10 locations for additional One-Stop Service Centres for victims: One each in Darkhan, Khentii, Dornod, Umnugovi, Uvurkhangai, Bayan-Ulgii and Khuvsgul aimags, and three in Ulaanbaatar.

The “Breaking the Silence for Equality: 2017 National Study on Gender-based Violence in Mongolia” study features a quantitative study based on methodology developed for the World Health Organization Multi-Country Study on Women’s Health and Domestic Violence against Women, and a qualitative study based on methodologies adapted from other countries. The full report can be downloaded at Breaking the silence for equalitiy