VIOLENCE

Violence can be defined in many ways. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that violence is the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person, or against a group or community,  that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, bad development or deprivation. It can include physical, sexual and psychological abuse. On the other hand, discrimination is the practice of unfairly treating a person on a group of people differently from other people. It is commonly based on the grounds of age, religion, sex, ethnicity, disability which are irrelevant factors to a person’s competence.

Equal treatment of women and men under the law is necessary for women and girls to realize their full potential and enjoy equal rights and opportunities with men. Laws that discriminate against women not only avoid gender equality but also that the state considers women to be on a means lower footing that men. Sexual violence and abuse is any type of sexual activity that you don’t agree to, including inappropriate touching, sexual intercourse that you don’t want to, rape, etc.

Sexual assault can be verbal, visual, or anything that forces a person to join in unwanted sexual contact or attention. Examples of this are voyeurism (when someone watches private sexual acts), exhibitionism (when someone exposes him/herself in public), incest (sexual contact between family members), and sexual harassment. It can happen in different situations, by a stranger in an isolated place, on a date, or in the home by someone you know.

Violence against women by any one is always wrong, whether the abuser is someone you date; a current or past spouse, boyfriend, or girlfriend; a family member; an acquaintance; or a stranger. Women are not at fault. They did not cause the abuse to occur, and they are not responsible for the violent behavior of someone else. Women should learn how to minimize the risk of becoming a victim of sexual assault or sexual abuse before they find themselves in an uncomfortable or threatening situation. And, learn about how to get help for sexual assault and abuse below. Another important part of getting help is knowing if you are in an abusive relationship. There are clear signs to help you know if you are being abused.

Violence can be categorized in a number of ways. The World Health Organization has developed the following useful typology that divides violence into three categories, based on the relationship between the perpetrator/s and the victim/s: Self-directed violence includes suicidal behavior and self-harm. Interpersonal violence includes violence inflicted against one individual by another, or by a small group of individuals, and can be categorized as family and intimate partner violence; involving violence between family members, and intimate partners, including child abuse and elder abuse. This often takes place in the home. Community violence; involves violence between people who are not related, and who may or may not know each other (acquaintances and strangers). It generally takes place outside the home in public places. Collective violence includes violence inflicted by large groups such as states, organized political groups, militia groups or terrorist organizations. The types of violence outlined above are distinguished by the relationship between the perpetrators and the victims of the violent behavior. The violent behavior can be further described in terms of whether it is physical, psychological, sexual, or involves deprivation and neglect. This typology is useful for demonstrating the nature of the violence, the relationship between the offenders and victims, and the settings where violence occurs, within the family or the community. For example, violence in public places can include intimidation, threats, and physical or sexual assaults, between friends or strangers. Child abuse in the home can include psychological, physical and sexual abuse and neglect.