Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread violations of human rights. It can include physical, sexual, psychological and economic abuse, and it cuts across boundaries of age, race, culture, wealth and geography. It takes place in the home, on the streets, in schools, the workplace, in farm fields, refugee camps, during conflicts and crises. It has many manifestations—from the most universally prevalent forms of domestic and sexual violence, to harmful practices, abuse during pregnancy, so-called honour killings and other types of femicide.

—United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women

Despite greater willingness of authorities to protect them, violence against women is widespread. Victims often refuse to testify, sometimes from shame and sometimes from fear. Trafficking remains a major problem, with young women lured with promises of good jobs and then kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery—and according to the CIA, many of them are in small towns throughout the U.S.

Another area where violence against women is extremely high—and increasing—is in the U.S. military. According to studies by the Veterans Administration and others, about 30% of women in the military are victims of sexual assault. This has been documented for years—decades—but the military seems unwilling to solve the problem. [This is well documented in reports by Amnesty International & others.]

Additional Resources:

• Amnesty International
• Amnesty International U.S.