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South Ayrshire Multi Agency Partnership
Information For Women
What is Violence Against Women?
Violence against women is a direct consequence of the inequalities between women
and men. It denies women their most basic human rights, such as the right to health,
and undermines the social and economic development of communities and whole countries.
Various studies from around the world show that violence against women and children
is widespread and cuts across class, age, religion and ethnic group. Common attempts
to justify or excuse away gender-based violence include unemployment, personality
disorders and the use of drugs and/or alcohol. However, it has long been established
that there can be no justification for any form of violence against women and children
and that whilst certain circumstances may exacerbate abuse and violence they are
not causal factors. Without doubt, the majority of men do not enter into any form
of violence against women and children, yet the minority have the capacity to harm
many. It is acknowledged that men also experience violence but it must be recognised
that women’s lower social status puts them at particular risk and the number
of cases of violence against women continues to grow at an alarming rate.
"Violence against women is perhaps the most shameful human rights violation, and
it is perhaps the most pervasive. It knows no boundaries of geography, culture or
wealth. As long as it continues, we cannot claim to be making real progress towards
equality, development and peace."
UN Secretary General, Kofi Annan