Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is the most widespread form of abuse worldwide, affecting one third of all women in their lifetime. VAWG undermines the mental and physical health of women and girls, violates their human rights and can have a negative impact on long-term peace and stability.

This two-part guidance note is part of a series of DFID guidance notes on VAWG. It focuses specifically on how to address VAWG in health programming, where DFID aims to make progress towards one key impact:

Women’s and girls’ health outcomes improve as a result of the health sector response to VAWG.

This guidance note aims to provide practical advice, tips and examples to strengthen the impact of health programmes on preventing and responding to VAWG. It is based on international good practice from bilateral and multilateral donors, UN agencies, international and national NGOs, and DFID’s own programme experience, as well as the latest academic research on health and VAWG. Part A sets out the strategic rationale and broad approach to addressing VAWG in health programming and covers the rationale, challenges and entry points for health programmes to address VAWG. Part B provides specific guidance on designing programmes for each key outcome area.