This guide presents an overview of the basic concepts and principles of violence against women (VAW) prevalence data, including why it is needed, what it can tell us and what it can be used for. A case study with survey data from eleven Pacific island countries illustrates how VAW prevalence data is analysed and compared, revealing interesting and nuanced patterns in violent behaviour and its drivers, which have implications for evidence-based prevention interventions and response services. This guide is intended for researchers, activists, policymakers, communication experts and journalists who are interested in better understanding survey data on violence against women and in better using such data for data-driven policy, programming and advocacy. 

A complementary resource to the guide is the "Data on Violence Against Women: Key Messages" that provides an overview of key concepts on violence against women data that can be applied globally.