Violence Against Women

Lorenda A. Naylor

Violence against women, also known as gender-based violence, is a global problem that crosses all levels of society. However, poor women are more likely to be victims of abuse than are women in higher socioeconomic groups. Gender-based violence includes abuse by intimate partners, coerced sex during childhood and adulthood, forced prostitution, female infanticide, and female genital mutilation. The United Nations defines it as physical, sexual, or emotional abuse or suffering of women. Violence against women is a serious public health problem and a violation of human rights. The entry defines violence, provides current U.S. victimization rates, explains the role of power and control, explores theories, identifies interventions, and outlines future research. According to the Center for Health and Gender Equity (1999) 1 out of every 3 women worldwide has been the victim of abuse or coerced sex. Abuse ranges across countries. Approximately 69% of women in Nicaragua, 58% in In ...

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