Domestic and sexual violence, human trafficking, forced marriage, gender-based violence and female genital mutilation must end, UN demands.
Violence deprives women and girls of their human rights to health, education and participation in the affairs of their communities and the nation, Babatunde Osotimehin UNFPA Executive Director warns.
He made the statement during the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on Tuesday.
Women worldwide experience physical or sexual violence, most often by an intimate partner, he says.
He adds that fewer than four in 10 survivors of violence seek help.
Globally, over 140 million girls and women faced some form of female circumcision, Babatunde continues.
He observes that one in every three girls in developing countries is married before 18 years and one in nine before 15.
The health effects of violence including forced pregnancies, forced abortions, long physical injuries and trauma are huge.