Recent Incidents Lay Bare the Ongoing Epidemic of Male Violence Against Women and Girls

Warning: contains content related to sexual and physical assault, and homicide.

Violence against women and girls (VAWG) is not a series of isolated events—it is a global epidemic, perpetuated by the silence of society, the complicity of institutions, and the unchecked behaviours of men in power. In the UK, The National Police Chiefs’ Council and College of Policing declared VAWG a national emergency in July, with one in 20 people estimated to be perpetrators of VAWG. (EVAW) Every case of violence leaves indelible scars, not only on the direct victims but on the collective consciousness of women who see themselves reflected in each tragic incident. Recent events remind us that this violence knows no borders, and no woman, regardless of her race, class, or status, is immune. 

One of the most prominent recent cases involves Mohamed Al-Fayed, the late businessman and former owner of Harrods, who has faced serious posthumous allegations of sexual assault and rape. Multiple women have come forward, recounting instances where Al-Fayed used his wealth, power and influence to commit acts of sexual violence ensure it was covered up. These allegations, which have surfaced after his death, expose yet another powerful man exploiting his position to harm women, highlighting a familiar pattern: men who believe their status makes them untouchable, engaging in predatory behaviour with impunity. 

Similarly, the case of Dominique Pelicot—a Frenchman accused of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, and allowing dozens of men to rape her while she was unconscious—highlights the horrific nature of male violence within intimate spaces. Over a period of almost a decade, Dominique facilitated the rape of his wife by more than 50 men, recording the assaults without her knowledge. Gisèle, who learned about the abuse only after her husband's arrest, described feeling like a "rag doll" during the abuse. Her bravery in testifying publicly against her husband sheds light on the unspeakable violence women can endure, even in what should be safe, personal relationships​ (The Independent). 

The tragic murder of Rebecca Cheptegei in Kenya speaks to the global nature of this epidemic. Cheptegei, a young mother and Olympic runner, was brutally killed, having been set alight by her former boyfriend. Cheptegei’s life, like that of so many women lost to male violence, demands recognition—not only for her contributions as an athlete and mother, but as a victim of a system that continues to fail women. 

It is essential to name the problem for what it is. These are not isolated cases of ‘abusive relationships’ or ‘domestic disputes’—they are acts of male violence, born out of a deep-seated culture of misogyny that treats women’s bodies as disposable.  

An additional layer to these cases is the persistence of damaging myths surrounding violence against women and girls. One common misconception about domestic abuse is encapsulated in the question, "Why didn’t she just leave?" This question ignores the fact that women are at risk from former partners, as seen in the tragic case of Rebecca Cheptegei. Similarly, the idea that women are primarily threatened by strangers lurking in the shadows is misleading. Dominique Pelicot's abuse demonstrates that women are far more likely to experience violence from men they know, often in the spaces they should feel safest. These myths shift blame onto victims and obscure the real, pervasive threat of male violence, which operates through power and control, not just random acts of brutality. Calling out and dispelling these dangerous myths is critical in understanding the true scope of VAWG and driving meaningful change. 

We stand in solidarity with these women and all victims of male violence, recognising their courage and resilience in the face of unimaginable harm.  

If you or someone you know needs support, you can contact the national domestic abuse helpline, free and 24 hours a day, on 0808 2000 247.