Gaps in government recognition of the service needs of women who experience intimate partner violence: a comparative case study analysis of policies and implementation across eight countries.

Abstract

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a substantial health and human rights concern. Governmental policies to address IPV are well-documented, but most available evidence on implementation focuses on specific initiatives covering small groups, and little is known about IPV policy responses at a national level. We conducted a comparative case study analysis on eight countries (Brazil, Chile, Colombia, India, Italy, South Africa, Spain, and Uganda) between January, 2024, and May, 2025. Drawing on police, health, and social sector administrative data, we assessed the extent to which governments recognise and respond to the need for services by women who have experienced IPV. We found varying levels of government response across countries. A qualitative analysis of the recognition gap-including access to care pathways and intersectoral coordination-identified ways to improve responses, including leveraging health sectors. The analysis moves us beyond counts of policy adoption and provides a novel approach in assessing responsiveness of services for women experiencing violence.