A CATALOGUE of horrific attacks around the world this year has focused growing attention on the problem of violence against women.

One of the most shocking incidents happened in Pakistan last month, when a 25-year-old pregnant woman was stoned to death in front of a court by her own family for marrying against their wishes.

In another horrific high-profile case last month, two teenagers aged 12 and 14 from a village in India were found gang raped and hanged from a tree.

Three men have been arrested over the killing, as well as two policemen suspected of helping to cover up the crime.

In Nigeria, the search for more than 200 girls kidnapped by Islamist militant group Boko Haram is still ongoing, with the government attacked for its slow response.

And last week, three star high-school athletes in Georgia in the US were arrested for allegedly assaulting a young woman.