Violence against Women

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights. It can include physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, and it cuts across boundaries of age, race, culture, wealth and geography. It takes place in the home, on the streets, in schools, the workplace, in farm fields, refugee camps, during conflicts and crises. It has many manifestations — from the most universally prevalent forms of domestic and sexual violence, to harmful practices, abuse during pregnancy, so-called honour killings and other types of femicide.

International and regional legal instruments have clarified obligations of States to prevent, eradicate and punish violence against women and girls. The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW) requires that countries party to the Convention take all appropriate steps to end violence. However, the continued prevalence of violence against women and girls demonstrates that this global pandemic of alarming proportions is yet to be tackled with all the necessary political commitment and resources.

Globally, up to six out of every ten women experience physical and/or sexual violence in their lifetime. A World Health Organization study of 24,000 women in 10 countries found that the prevalence of physical and/or sexual violence by a partner varied from 15 percent in urban Japan to 71 percent in rural Ethiopia, with most areas being in the 30–60 percent range.

Violence against women and girls has far-reaching consequences, harming families and communities. For women and girls 16–44 years old, violence is a major cause of death and disability. In 1994, a World Bank study on ten selected risk factors facing girls and women in this age group, found rape and domestic violence more dangerous than cancer, motor vehicle accidents, war and malaria. Studies also reveal increasing links between violence against women and HIV and AIDS. A survey among 1,366 South African women showed that women who were beaten by their partners were 48 percent more likely to be infected with HIV than those who were not.

Source: UN Women: United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (accessed on Jun 22, 2011)
http://www.unifem.org/gender_issues/violence_against_women/

Whose face are we saving?

Opinion by Asif Saleh – bdnews24.com – Jun 15, 2011

Spotlight on “Bangladesh: Seeking Justice” (video)

In Bangladesh, many young women are striving to break down traditional barriers. But for some, this comes at a high price.  UNTV: 21st Century takes us to this South East Asian nation where one woman’s struggle for equality and justice could mean success for all women (March 18, 2011).

http://www.unmultimedia.org/tv/21stcentury/2011/03/bangladesh-seeking-justice.html

The White Ribbon Campaign:

The White Ribbon Campaign (WRC) is the largest effort in the world of men working to end violence against women (VAW). In over fifty-five countries, campaigns are led by both men and women, even though the focus is on educating men and boys. In some countries it is a general public education effort focused on ending violence against women.

http://www.whiteribbon.ca

Help for women who are victims of violence:

http://www.amnesty.ca/campaigns/svaw_help.php

International inventory of domestic violence services:

http://www.hotpeachpages.net/a/countries.html