WHO looks at violence as public health issue, women uniformly vulnerable. (Children, Youth & Families).

GENEVA -- More than 1.6 million people are killed by violence every year and women are uniformly vulnerable to attacks, the World Health Organization said in a report. Violence is often "predictable and preventable," it continued, calling on countries to take measures to avert violent deaths and injuries.

The 300-page report, complied by 170 experts worldwide, is the first to address violence as a public health issue with its economic consequences,

The report ranks war last in its categories of violent deaths, with the highest rates--32 deaths per 100,000 people--in Africa. Researchers say violence against women in particular is "everywhere," regardless of income, religion or culture. Violence by partners accounts for up to 70 percent of female murder victims in Australia, Canada, Israel, South Africa and the United States. In addition, 22 percent of women in the United States, 58 percent in Turkey, 45 percent in Ethiopia and 29 percent in Canada say a partner has assaulted them at least once.

Suicide is also a leading cause of death by violence, with one death every 40 seconds, while self-inflicted injuries are the fourth leading cause of death among those ages 15 to 44. The problem is particularly acute in China where government officials say 250,000 people commit suicide every year. China also accounts for 55 percent of female suicides worldwide and is the only country known to have more female than male suicides.

"Every country is dealing with violence one way or another, but we are always dealing with it after the fact," said lead researcher Etienne Krug. "Public health is all about prevention. All sectors--public health, police, justice--have a role to play in preventing violence." Krug plans to travel to various countries this year to urge governments to implement measures to prevent violent deaths.