Women and violence

Domestic violence is a global issue which resonates throughout society. Its manifestation in social relations reflects gendered power imbalances and social divisions. The impact of domestic violence is wide ranging and considerable. It affects the safety as well as the health and wellbeing of individuals. It also negatively influences individual and social resilience and the capacity to build and maintain strong communities.In this chapter, a number of key areas will be examined. These include an examination of definitions and explanations of domestic violence and an appraisal of associations which have been made between violence and abuse. As part of the discussion multi-country links between women’s health and domestic violence will be explored and matters associated with professional responsibility and responses will be considered.