A UK-funded project has reduced domestic violence by nearly 60 per cent in a conflict-riven region of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The programme, which was trialed in 15 remote villages in the Ituri region of DRC, trained faith leaders to challenge socially accepted norms in their sermons and discussion groups.

Over just two years rates of domestic violence fell from 69 per cent to 29 per cent, while women’s experience of sexual violence from a non-partner dropped from 24 per cent to four per cent.

The project is part of the Department for International Development’s (Dfid) flagship ‘What Works’ programme - backed by £25 million of investment - that tests strategies to tackle violence against women and girls in 13 countries across the globe.

“Shockingly, one in three women are beaten or sexually abused during their lifetime, making violence against women and girls one of the most widespread human rights violations in the world,” said Penny Mordaunt, International Development Secretary.

“But this evidence shows it can be stopped, by working with local communities to challenge outdated attitudes about gender and violence.”