Violence against Women and Girls

Abstract

Violence against women and girls is defined as ‘any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life’. In this definition, violence is given its gender-related status and constructed as a problem which facilitates the enduring subjugation of women in society. As well as being a violation of individual rights, violence against women and girls prevents them from flourishing and contributing to their families and communities. It thus has an impact on the economic and social well-being of any society. It also holds back progress on international development targets. Violence against women and girls encompasses rape in conflict, female genital mutilation, stalking and harassment, child sexual abuse, ‘honour’-based violence, forced marriage, and domestic violence. It has physical, sexual, psychological, and economic consequences. This chapter examines the health issues relating to violence against women and girls, the steps taken so far to prevent and cater for health implications, and suggests a way forward.