VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

violence against women ( 2 ) any gender-based act or conduct that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women. One quarter to one-half of all women have been physically abused by a current or former partner. Over 50% of women who are physically abused by their partners are also raped by them. Preferred Customer: NAFIS PICTURE Preferred Customer: NAFIS PICTURE Violence against women

violence against women ( 3 ) Violence throughout a woman’s life cycle Childhood Child marriage Incest Female genital mutilation Childhood Child marriage Incest Female genital mutilation Childhood, adolescence and adult life Denial of education, health care, or food Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse Early or unwanted pregnancy Sexual harassment Trafficking Rape Honor killings Forced labor

violence against women ( 4 ) Reproductive health consequences of violence Unwanted pregnancies and restricted access to family planning information and contraceptives Unsafe abortion and its complications Frequent, high-risk pregnancies and lack of follow-up care Sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS Persistent gynecological problems Psychological problems, including fear of sex and loss of pleasure

violence against women ( 5 ) Gender and violence Many family laws and customs implicitly consider women to be property of male-headed households. Men are pressured by society to establish their authority and power in the home — often through verbal, emotional, or physical violence against a partner or children. Women and men are often taught to believe that violence can be acceptable to “keep women in line.” Violence against women is deeply rooted in male and female gender roles in society and in individual relations.

violence against women ( 6 ) Some examples: In Nicaragua, children of women who have been abused are 6 times more likely to die before the age of 5. Ethiopian refugee women said that they cooked fewer meals for their children because they feared being raped while collecting firewood. In Canada, violence against women cost the country $US 1.1 billion in lost labor productivity and increased use of medical and community support services. Violence against women affects families, communities, and economies violence against women ( 6 )

violence against women ( 7 ) Addressing violence against women in the community Sensitize communities to violence against women and its impact on women, families, and communities Encourage men and women to discuss women’s position in society and how violence is accepted, condoned, or even encouraged Provide men and women with tools to communicate effectively and address causes of violence

violence against women ( 8 ) Reproductive health services can play a key role in helping victims of violence Reproductive health services have a unique opportunity to address the special needs of victims of violence. Reproductive health care providers should be able to: Provide appropriate medical treatment including relevant counseling Ask women about abuse and document it Provide referrals to community resources such as counseling, shelters, and legal aid Victims of violence must always be treated in a non-judgmental and confidential manner. violence against women ( 8 )

violence against women ( 9 ) Addressing violence against women The responsibility to end violence against women rests with individuals, families, communities, and governments. Governments’ obligations include: Repealing laws that condone violence or discrimination against women Creating stronger laws and effective enforcement mechanisms to prohibit and punish violence against women Making appropriate and confidential services available to survivors of violence Laws that impede women’s equal access to resources, power, and expression promote inequality and foster violence.

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