Violence against women: the hidden health burden

Gender-based violence - including rape, domestic violence, mutilation, murder, and sexual abuse - is a profound health problem for women across the globe. Although gender violence is a significant cause of female morbidity and mortality, it is almost never seen as a public health issue. This paper draws togethe existing data on the dimensions of violence against women worldwide and reviews available literature on the health consequences of abuse. It also explores the relationship between violence and other pressing issues, such as maternal mortality, health care utilization, child survival, AIDS prevention, and socioeconomic development. The paper explores interventions in primary prevention, justice system reform, health care response, programs to assist victims, and treatment and reeducation programs for perpetrators. -from Authors