Defining and measuring violence against women: Background, issues, and recommendations

This article examines the history of the violence against women movement from its inception in the 1970s to the present. It discusses paradigmatic shifts that have occurred in the way violence against women is viewed, from a criminal justice perspective, to a public health perspective, and most recently to a human rights perspective. It also critiques violence against women surveillance systems in the United States. The author recommends that violence against women be defined as broadly as possible and incorporate a human rights perspective. She also recommends that, whenever possible, researchers collect data on violence experienced by women over their life span. In addition, the author recommends that researchers incorporate a multiple definition/multiple design approach in collecting data on violence against women. 1. Historical background