Violence against women is one of the most extensive violations of human rights. This includes economic, psychological, physical and sexual abuse. In addition, it crosses all boundaries of age, culture, geography, race and wealth. Violence against women occurs in the home, in schools, on the streets, in farm fields, the workplace, during times of conflict and crisis, as well as refugee camps.
This form of violence has many appearances — from the most comprehensively widespread forms of sexual and domestic violence, to abuse during pregnancy, harmful practices, so-called honor killings and other types of femicide.
A number of organizations exist that deal with violence against women, including:
1. The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence
The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence is the oldest national organization working to aid and empower battered women and children. This organization acts as a national referral and information center for the agencies, the public, battered women and children, the media and other organizations. In addition, they provide support and shelter for battered women and children.
2. The Center For Women Policy Studies
The Center for Women Policy Studies was established in 1972 as the country’s first feminist policy research, analysis and advocacy institution. The mission of the Center for Women Policy Studies is to shape public policy and improve the lives of women.
3. Men Can Stop Rape
Men Can Stop Rape motivates young men to prevent violence against women. The mission of this organization is to build young men’s ability to challenge the traditional destructive characteristics of masculinity, to value alternate images of male strength and to embrace their dynamic role as supporters of women in the encouragement of gender equality and healthy relationships.
4. The National Online Resource Center on Violence Against Women
Is a project of the National Resource Center on Domestic Violence and an all-inclusive online resource for supporters who are working to put an end to sexual assault, domestic violence and other forms violence toward women.
5. Pace Women’s Justice Center
6. This organization is a direct legal service, resource and training center that is made up of Pace advocates attorneys, faculty and law students that are dedicated to eliminating domestic violence and advancing the legal rights of women with the innovative and skillful use of the law. The goal of this organization is to provide support to battered women, women with low income, victims of sexual assault and the elderly everything they need to seek economic justice, protect families, stop violence against women and save lives.
Worldwide, as many as six out of ten women will experience some form of sexual of physical violence in their lifetime. According to a study conducted by the World Health Organization, interviewing 24,000 women in ten different countries found that violence against women by their partner differed from as low as 15% in urban Japan to just over 70% in rural Ethiopia.
Violence against women has extensive consequences, including the harm it brings to families and communities. For females age 16–44 years old, violence is a predominate cause of disability and death.
Dee White writes frequently about what a master of public policy entails and what students can expect to cover in their courses. This is a guest post by Dee White.
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