Violence, including physical assault, sexual assault, neglect, verbal attacks, insults, threats, harassment and other psychological abuses is an issue central to the equality and well-being of Canadian girls and women.
Violence has enormous individual and social costs.
Violence against girls and women is both a result of the lesser status of women, and also maintains a power imbalance by keeping all women in a state of fear. While initiatives to prevent and respond to violence have been in place in Canada since the 1970s, only recently has there been a broad recognition of the seriousness of the problem. The health sector has an important role to play in addressing violence, but it has been slower to take action, and violence is not yet seen as a priority health issue. Five issue areas or remaining challenges are presented in the paper. The health sector is encouraged to be more active in identifying violence, preventing it and supporting those who are victimized.