Both men and women suffer from violence. But it's a proven fact that violence against women tends to be more severe. For example, women are more likely to be beaten, choked, and sexually assaulted than men. And they are 5 times more likely to need a doctor to treat their injuries.⁵

Violence against women is about controlling and oppressing women. A man who commits this violence usually does so to keep women "in their place" - to make them behave in the ways he wants.

Violence affects women throughout the world - regardless of race, age, culture, social status, level of education or income. Violence against women is also more common than violence against men. For example, they are over 3 times more likely than men to be killed by their spouse. Women are also more likely to be victims of violence again and again. Considering these facts, it is little wonder that women are 5 times more likely to fear for their lives than men.⁶

The United Nations drafted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1993. This important document recognizes that violence against women just isn't the same as other types of violence - it is a crime of oppression and discrimination that men commit against women.

This United Nations Declaration also recognizes that violence against women stems from the long history of inequality between men and women. To this day, this inequality prevents women from fully participating and succeeding in all parts of our society.

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