UN says war-related sexual violence is 'history's greatest silence.'

The United Nations says violence against women and girls is among the most widespread and devastating human rights violations in the world.

Reformas judiciales para ayudar a las víctimas de violencia doméstica en Nueva Gales del Sur Source: iStockphoto

The declaration came as the United Nations describes war-related sexual violence as "history's greatest silence."

The United Nations estimates 35 per cent of women worldwide have experienced either physical and/or sexual intimate partner violence or sexual violence by a non-partner - not including sexual harassment at some point in their lives.

But that figure is conservative - some national studies show that up to 70 per cent of women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence from an intimate partner in their lifetime.