Most often the abuser is a member of her own family. Increasingly, gender-based violence is recognized as a major public health concern and a violation of human rights.
Violence is one expression of the low status women hold in many societies.
Violence against girls and women throughout the world causes more death and disability among women in the 15 to 44 age group than cancer, malaria, traffic accidents and even war, according to The World Bank. More than 14 million women will have been infected and four million of them would have died by 2000. In India, one study suggested that between 18 per cent and 45 per cent of married men acknowledge abusing their wives. Equal opportunities, rights and responsibilities Equality and equity translate into better lives for women and their families. Empowered women are also better able to protect themselves from violence and disease - by leaving, promoting condom use, obtaining needed services.