A new study says that 30 percent of women in the world that are age 15 or older have been physically or sexually abused by their partner. Because the victims of abuse are hesitant to discuss the issue, the number is likely higher than reported.

A new study says that 30 percent of women in the world that are age 15 or older have been physically or sexually abused by their partner.

Different parts of the world have different rates of abuse.

For example, in North America, one out of five women reports being abused, while in Central Africa, two thirds of women have been abused.

Dr. Margaret Chan, Director-General of the World Health Organization said: “These findings send a powerful message that violence against women is a global health problem of epidemic proportions.”

According to the United Nations, only 125 countries have made domestic violence illegal, while 70 countries have not taken that step towards preventing abuse.

Because the victims of abuse are hesitant to discuss the issue, the number is likely higher than reported.

Men being abused by their wives is reported even less.

A report from the Bureau of Justice Statistic Crime Data Brief in 2003 says that men are the victims in an estimated 15 percent of domestic abuse cases.