GENDER VIOLENCE: International Perspectives By Rekha Pande and Sita Vanka (eds)

Today, violence is an increasing problem in our society, and in this context, battered women deserve special attention. The many forms of violence against women and children are to be understood as gender violence. The existence of gender inequality in the society is the cause of increasing violence against women, which is a worldwide phenomenon today. The low social and economic status of women can be both a cause and a consequence of this violence. Violence against women is an obstacle to the achievement of the objectives of equality, development and peace. It both violates and impairs or nullifies the enjoyment by women of their human rights and fundamental freedoms. Violence against women and girls is an extreme manifestation of gender inequality and systemic gender-based discrimination. 

Gender Violence comprises of fifteen selected papers which look at violence in multiple ways and show us the different facets of violence and how to understand and deal with it. Each type of violence has its own particular problem. The volume tries to cover three different kinds of violence in contemporary society. First, violence occurring in the family including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation, and other harmful traditional practices. Second, violence occurring within the general community – including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, intimidation at work, trafficking of women, and forced prostitution. Third, violence perpetrated or condoned by the state.

The right of women and children to live free of violence depends on the protection of their human rights and a strong chain of justice. After all, a comprehensive and integrated approach that addresses violence against children and women will accelerate progress in making the world a better and safer place for both children and women.