Deputy Secretary-General's remarks at the Commonwealth Says No More Violence against Women side event [as prepared for delivery]

H. E. Patricia Scotland, Excellencies, Ladies and gentlemen,
In the past two years, there has been an unprecedented increase in all forms of gender-based violence – particularly in the home, but also in public and online spaces.
It is only right that we stand up for a moment of silence for these victims and survivors.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly one in two women reported that they, or a woman they know, experienced some form of violence.

Source: UN News