This policy note examines the impact of gender-based violence and presents evidence-based findings drawn from impact evaluations across three regions. It sets out the social and economic costs of violence against women and girls, and looks at the surge in gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The note distils four key findings on effective strategies for prevention and response, and is part of the World Bank Gender Innovation Lab's policy lessons series aimed at helping policymakers and practitioners apply rigorous evidence to programme design.