Emotional violence includes regular subjection to demeaning jokes, domineering forms of behaviour, and sexual harassment. Some forms of violence have a greater physical or emotional impact than others. But all forms of violence contribute to the very real fear and suffering that women in our society endure. The fear is greatest in women's own homes. A common myth is that most violence is committed by strangers.
Most men love and care about women.
And yet frightening numbers commit acts of violence against the women they say they love. It occurs throughout the world, among the rich, poor, and middle class, and among those of every nationality, religion, and race. There have been societies with little or no violence. Studies over the past century have found that half of the tribal societies studied had little or no violence against women, against children, or among men. Furthermore, even today, in many countries the majority of men are not physically violent.