Today, it is widely acknowledged that violence against women is a serious human rights issue and a public health concern. It has far-reaching effects on both women's physical and mental health, making it a significant risk factor for their unhealthy lifestyles. The goal of this glossary is to define the numerous types of interpersonal violence that target women and girls. It is designed to increase understanding and awareness of the various forms of violence perpetrated against women and girls, as well as promote education on how to prevent these types of violence from happening in the first place. By providing a common language and framework for understanding the complexity of violent acts against women, this glossary aims to empower individuals and communities to take action towards preventing and ending violence against women and girls. Together, we can work towards creating a safer and more equitable world for women and girls everywhere.
There are different kinds of violence striking young girls and adolescents like:
Child abuse and neglect
Young children may experience physical, emotional, and sexual abuse or neglect from parents, caregivers, or other adults in positions of trust. This can have severe long-term effects on their physical and mental health, as well as negatively impacting their ability to form healthy relationships later in life.
Gender based abuse of infants and female children
This kind of violence is a serious concern in many societies, with some parents or caregivers using violence to enforce traditional gender roles or to express their preference for male children. It is important to note that violence against women and girls occurs across all age groups, and addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that takes into account the social, cultural, economic and political factors that contribute to the perpetuation of violence against women in all its forms.
Female genital mutilation
This is a harmful traditional practice that involves the partial or total removal of the female genitalia, often without anesthesia or proper medical care this can have serious physical and psychological effects on young girls, including chronic pain, infections, infertility, and even death. It is crucial to prioritize the prevention of violent acts against women and girls, as well as to provide them with appropriate support services when such violence occurs.
Intimate Partner Violence
There are also different types of violence striking women of reproductive age and beyond like intimate partner violence wherein a current or former intimate partner attempts to physically harm, sexually assault, and/or psychologically abuse their partner. It is important to note that intimate partner violence can take on many different forms, including physical violence, sexual violence, emotional abuse, and controlling behaviors such as limiting access to finances or freedom of movement
Rape
It is crime that can have devastating physical, psychological and social consequences for women, including unwanted pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), chronic pain syndromes, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. To address and prevent these types of violence, it is necessary to foster a culture that recognizes women's rights to safety and bodily integrity as human rights.
Dowry Related Violence
This is another form of violence against women that is prevalent in many societies, particularly in South Asia, where dowries are still a customary practice. Dowry related violence often takes the form of physical, psychological or sexual assault against bride's family, when they fail to meet the dowry demands This type of abuse and violence can result in lifelong trauma, injury or even death to the women involved. Dowry is an outdated practice that reinforces gender-based stereotypes and inequalities, perpetuating the commodification of women's bodies and often resulting in violence against them.
Acid throwing
It is a form of violence against women in which perpetrators throw acid at their victims, often resulting in severe disfigurement, blindness or even death. It is essential to implement legal frameworks and initiatives that criminalize such violent and inhumane behavior, provide protection services for the victims, and raise awareness among individuals and communities about the harmfulness of violence against women and girls, as well as to promote positive models of gender relationships.
A victim of acid throwing
Honor Killings
This is another form of violence against women, refer to the act in which an individual is killed by family members as a result of bringing shame or dishonor upon the family or community, usually by engaging in behaviors that defy social conventions or expectations. To combat violence against women and girls, there is a need for robust legal mechanisms that hold perpetrators accountable, provide support to victims and survivors, promote gender equality and human rights, and encourage men and boys to actively participate in challenging harmful gender norms.
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The forms of violence against women described above are just a few examples of the pervasive and distressing reality that many women face across the globe. Such violence is a violation of human rights and has devastating impacts on individuals, families, and societies at large. It is the responsibility of all individuals and communities to work towards creating a world free from violence against women, where every individual's rights are respected and upheld, and where gender equality is promoted and upheld as a fundamental value. This necessitates collective efforts from governments, civil society organizations, and individuals alike to implement comprehensive measures that address the root causes of violence against women while also providing effective support to victims and survivors, raising awareness about the harmful effects of violence against women and girls, promoting positive models of gender relationships, and dismantling harmful patriarchal systems that perpetuate gender-based violence.
Reference:
Krantz, G., & García-Moreno, C. (2019). Violence against women. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, 59(10), 818–821. https://doi.org/10.1136/jech.2004.022756
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