Imagine a place where nearly 40% of women face domestic violence, yet very few seek official protection. This is the stark reality facing the Marshall Islands, where courtrooms see a concerningly low number of women coming forward for help, despite widespread abuse.
Recent court statistics reveal a troubling trend. While there was a slight uptick to six women filing for protection orders in 2025 – a welcome change from a dismal single case in 2024 – these numbers are a far cry from a decade ago, when over 40 women sought help between 2016 and 2018. In the last three years, that number plummeted to just 16.
These low figures clash sharply with international reports. The US Human Rights report, citing the World Health Organization, estimates a shocking 38% of women aged 15-49 have experienced intimate partner violence. Another report suggests one in five ever-partnered women face physical or sexual abuse. The data clearly shows a major gap between the reality of violence and the number of women seeking official safety.
So, why the disconnect? The answer lies in deeply rooted societal factors. A significant modern shift sees women moving in with their husband’s family upon marriage, often removing the immediate protection of their own relatives. Compounding this, a prevailing attitude can view a husband ‘disciplining’ his wife as acceptable, with older generations sometimes dismissing abuse. The profound shame many women feel, often reinforced by family, further silences their cries for help.
This isn’t just about numbers; it’s about lives. The courage it takes for even a handful of women to step forward highlights the immense barriers faced by many more. Addressing this silent crisis requires more than just legal frameworks; it demands a societal shift that empowers women and condemns violence unequivocally.
