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Violence against women

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Violence against women (VAW) is a global issue involving harm directed at women and girls. It is often called gender-based violence (GBV) or sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV). This type of violence is primarily committed by men or boys against women or girls. Many experts view it as a hate crime. This means the violence happens because of a person's gender.

Tami end violence against women jpg
Tami end violence against women jpg

It is often seen as a way to keep women in a subordinate position. This means it is used to maintain unequal power between men and women in society.

This violence can happen in many different ways. It can occur in private settings, like a home, or in public life. Some forms include physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm. Economic harm might involve taking away a person's money or ability to work. Psychological harm involves mental or emotional abuse.

Anti-domestic violence sign in Liberia panoramio (193)
Anti-domestic violence sign in Liberia panoramio (193)

The Council of Europe's Istanbul Convention defines it as a violation of human rights. It also views this violence as a form of discrimination against women.

There are several distinct categories of violence. The first is violence within the family or domestic unit. This includes physical aggression, emotional abuse, and sexual abuse. The second category is violence within the general community. This includes sexual harassment or intimidation at a workplace.

Acid attack victim
Acid attack victim

A third category is violence perpetrated or condoned by the state. This can include actions taken by police or other officials. Finally, violence can occur during armed conflicts. In these situations, women may face systematic rape or sexual slavery.

Map3.3Trafficking compressed
Map3.3Trafficking compressed

International organizations have worked for decades to define and fight this issue. The United Nations General Assembly passed a major declaration in 1993. This was the first international document to explicitly define VAW. Before this, the 1979 Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) made important recommendations. Other regional agreements exist as well. The 1994 Belém do Pará Convention focuses on the Americas. The 2003 Maputo Protocol was created by the African Union.

Cape Town anti-femicide demonstration 04
Cape Town anti-femicide demonstration 04

These documents help countries create laws to protect people.

History shows that these patterns have existed for a long time. In the early modern period, witch trials were a form of organized violence. During wars, history has seen the use of sexual slavery.

The scale of the problem is very large. Kofi Annan, a former Secretary-General of the United Nations, called it a problem of pandemic proportions. He noted that at least one out of every three women worldwide has experienced some form of abuse. Most of the time, the abuser is someone the woman knows.

Different stages of life see different types of violence. The World Health Organization (WHO) uses a typology based on life cycles. During infancy, violence may include physical or psychological abuse. In girlhood, issues like child marriage or female genital mutilation may occur.

FGM road sign, Bakau, Gambia, 2005
FGM road sign, Bakau, Gambia, 2005

Adolescence and adulthood often involve dating violence or sexual harassment. For elderly women, violence might include economic abuse or homicide for financial reasons. This shows that violence can affect a person at any age.

Understanding these patterns helps society address the root causes. Many people believe the violence is rooted in the inequality between men and women. Some critics argue that definitions of "gender-based violence" are not perfect. They worry that certain terms might ignore violence against men. However, many international bodies continue to use these terms to address the disproportionate harm women face.

Papua New Guinean children, men and women show their support for putting an end to violence against women during a White Ribbon Day march (21614943268)
Papua New Guinean children, men and women show their support for putting an end to violence against women during a White Ribbon Day march (21614943268)

By studying these facts, leaders work toward a more equal world.

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🖼️ Images & Media (32)
File:MURDER-SCALE-4-2019.jpg
MURDER-SCALE-4-2019.jpg
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Hyewon-Cheonggeum.sangryeon.jpg
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Paul Jamin - Le Brenn et sa part de butin 1893.jpg
File:Chinese girl from one of the Japanese Army's 'comfort battalions'.jpg
Chinese girl from one of the Japanese...
File:Map3.3Trafficking compressed.jpg
Map3.3Trafficking compressed.jpg
File:Acid attack victim.jpg
Acid attack victim.jpg
File:Johann Moritz Rugendas-el rapto.jpg
Johann Moritz Rugendas-el rapto.jpg
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Oskar Shmerling. Free love (Forced...
File:Say no to dowry.jpg
Say no to dowry.jpg
File:Anti-domestic violence sign in Liberia panoramio (193).jpg
Anti-domestic violence sign in Liberia...
File:Grandville Cent Proverbes page69.png
Grandville Cent Proverbes page69.png
File:Marital rape laws by country.svg
Marital rape laws by country.svg

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