Violence Against Women

This research report focuses on violence against women, the outcome of gender inequality. It discusses the different forms of violence, the impact on women and society, and the need for awareness and measures to address the issue.

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Title: Violence Against Women
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Abstract
This is a research report that focuses on violence against women. It is mainly the outcome of
gender inequality. This issue is common in all societies and it is a violation of human rights. This
violence is inflicted by men on women/girls. This issue is commonly acknowledged. Since 15
years of age, women experience violence of different kinds, i.e. sexual harassment, physical
violence, rape, stalking, women trafficking and more. Violence against women is not just limited
to sexual exploitation. All around the world, the women witness the violence of distinguished
nature, such as female genital mutilation, cyber violence, marital rape, etc. One out of three
women generally become victims of violence. Although this is a global issue and women in
developing countries are more prone to such cases. The victim, as well as the families, are
affected if someone other than the partner/spouse causes the violence. The burden of such cases
is also borne by the societies and economies. The main focus of this study is to some background
research on the topic and analyze the data on this issue and focus on a particular approach.
Various acts and campaigns have also been discussed to highlight the magnitude of the issue and
adoption of various measures is mentioned.

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Contents
Introduction......................................................................................................................................2
Literature Review............................................................................................................................3
Methodology....................................................................................................................................4
Discussion........................................................................................................................................5
Conclusion.......................................................................................................................................7
References......................................................................................................................................10

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Introduction
Women deserve respect, since the time they are born. In many countries like India,
female infanticide is a very common problem. People regard girls as burdens and killing them at
the time of birth is preferred instead of raising them and providing them with a good life.
However, boys are considered as the carriers of names, they are supposed to carry forward the
family. This perception, or say misconception is realized, but there still needs to be a great
reform in the area. Initiatives have been taken to remove this ill practice and give women the
respect they deserve. There have been many awareness programs and campaigns to tackle the
issues. However, violence against women still prevails. It is very important for people to realize
the sensitivity of the issue and take appropriate measures to address the problem. The harassment
against women causes damage to the future and their lives. It is reported that suffering violence
at an early stage is damaging to the future.
Literature Review
It is a common assumption in all societies that women are inferior to men and that they
should do as they are told. The society is generally patriarchal. The violence against women is
not paid much heed to, it is taken as normal. The most common forms include sexual abuse,
emotional stress, physical trauma, verbal abuse, burns, hanging, beating, and more (Coker,
2016). The social and cultural factors are greater determinants of the attitude towards violence.
The stereotypes, prejudices, gender role, domination, and other attributes like these are very
common in cases of violence. The women in developing countries are often the victim of such
situations. The perception of girls being weak, male-dominated society, the need for protection,
and the sense of helplessness is the main reason for it.
According to the US Department of Justice (1998), the main cause of early death in
African-American women is the violence of the partner. The cases of domestic violence are
fairly higher in societies that are less developed, poor, and have a lower standard of living. As
stated by Matthews (2004), unemployed men are more likely to assault their women instead of
people who are in jobs (Matthews, 2004). However, according to McCue (2008), the urban,

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semi-urban, and rural areas all have a significant level of violence without concerning the socio-
economic status. The violence against women not only affects physical well-being but also has a
considerable effect on mental health and productivity (McCue, 2008). Wettersten, et.al (2004)
indicated that single women or the women who are in non-violent relationships are better
performers and have stable employment (Wettersten, et. al, 2004).
Several works have been published and researchers have studied the topic of violence
against women for decades. The most common conclusion drawn from all of them is the culture
and dominance of men (Ellis, 2016). However, over the past few years, the scenario has been
changed and women are being treated in a more respectable manner. It is an established fact that
a woman who is respected by his spouse is confident, happy, and constructive. The society today
is changing, earlier the women were not very educated and were hardly into jobs, but today
education is a very important aspect. In every society, education has brought about a significant
change in the lifestyles and perceptions of people all around.
Methodology
Researchers often use various methods to support these cases and studies. The most
common is sampling. The approach that we have used in collecting the data is the Mixed Method
Approach. Using this approach, we have combined the qualitative and quantitative analysis to
research on the issue. A cohesive semi-structured analysis and data collection have helped in
collecting valuable insights and hypothesis that is further used for testing (Testa, Livingston &
VanZile-Tamsen, 2011). The sources used for data collection are journals, e-journals,
publications, books, and websites. There are many techniques available for data research. Each
method has its own merits and demerits. The main focus was on case studies and available
secondary data, surveys, and journals. With the help of case studies and previously published
journals, we were able to identify the issue of violence against women in different forms and not
just as sexual harassment. The secondary data also consisted of informal interview recordings
with women all around the world by different studies. They shared their life experiences and the
way they were exploited. The cases of rape in marriages were most common along with physical
and verbal abuse (Husnu & Mertan, 2015). There were other cases of genital mutilation that is

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carried out in some parts of the world. The surveys and data were also considered to analyze the
case.
In addition, the data indicate that women were exploited all around the world,
irrespective of the country’s social and economic status. Moreover, the violence is not restricted
to less developed countries, but is also prevalent in developed countries as well. A multi-country
study has been done to explore the men's viewpoint on gender norms and standards and the
violence that has been done to women in International Men and Gender Equality Survey
(IMAGES).
The research also used websites and online published sources. These websites and
electronic journals comprised of several themes and concepts concerning the violence against
women, such as United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women,
Promoting Gender Equality to Prevent Violence against Women, etc. It has been discussed in the
studies that women face several types of violence and it is not just physical. The violence takes a
great toll on mental health as well. Furthermore, the sources provided information regarding the
level and seriousness of violence all over the world and it not only exists in lower sections of the
society but also higher sections were affected by it. The rural and urban areas had this in
common if not other things (Madruga, Viana, Abdalla, Caetano & Laranjeira, 2017).
Now, people are taking initiatives to resolve these problems and help those who are the
victims. Several campaigns have been formed to address the issues and provide help to women.
One such campaign is the White Ribbon Campaign, which serves a major role in the country of
Australia. The campaign is basically formed to raise awareness among women and pays
significant attention to issues like inequality, gender discrimination, masculinity, etc. The motto
of this particular campaign says, "Stand up, speak out and act", which provides courage to the
women (Seymour, 2018).
Discussion
According to a personal safety survey, everyone woman out of three is a victim of
violence. The physical, emotional, and verbal abuse are also not far behind. In fact, men also
murder their female partners out of anger. The main reason for violence against women as

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recorded by the surveys is gender inequality. The disrespect towards women is the root cause of
all issues ("OurWatch - Facts and figures", 2019). It is often believed that women are submissive
in nature and they should follow their men. This cycle begins right from birth. People and
societies do not realize it, but it is a serious problem. Various themes and concepts have emerged
that supports and hear out women who are the victims of any such behavior, such as, Orange the
World, #HearMeToo. These campaigns completely support women and provide them the
strength to stand against the violence that they have suffered and say No to any such behavior
("Orange the World, #HearMeToo", 2019). The major fact that is being neglected is that these
behaviors should be checked in childhood. The perceptions and attitudes are formed at a tender
age and last for a lifetime. The nurture has a great influence on the mindset. Respect and
disrespect begin in the family itself. This behavior of treating women with disrespect is accepted
in society because it is the same way for ages. However, it is not normal and now is the time that
it should be realized. The young minds are shaped in their initial years. The surroundings,
environment, societies, peers, and above all families define the ‘normal’ of the children. As a
result, the women become fragile and weak and men become dominating.
Women are harassed on the streets and in their families. In fact, beating the partner is a
part of life. Nobody considers it a crime or bad. One common misconception is that the men
should be in charge of the house and relationship ("The issue – Respect.gov.au", 2019). They
should be the decision makers, and this cultivates more challenges. The need to take permission
from husband/boyfriend/father is necessary. The individuality of women is questioned. Several
reports have been published to spread awareness and address the major issues of sexual and
domestic violence ("OurWatch - Myths about violence", 2019). One paper published by WHO is
a famous study, named Preventing Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Against Women, which
acknowledges the domestic issues and provides a complete overview of the magnitude of such
issues. For example- a child witnesses his father making all the decisions for all the members. In
addition, he sees that the mother cooks, cleans, takes care of everyone but her needs, desires, and
passions are unknown to all. Even a little mistake made by her is a huge blunder; the man can
beat her for no reason. The child gets used to this behavior. This kind of environment can be both
positive and negative i.e. watching his mother treated this way might make him cringe and he
refrains from such behaviors or it can also be perceived by him as normal and can adapt to the

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same in future. The behavior, attitudes, teachings a child comes across in his life develops his
future (Thomas & Gorzalka, 2012).
The most common issues arise from childhood itself. The discrimination in two children
of opposite genders forms their perceptions from the way they are treated in their childhood. For
instance- the brother asks the sister to iron his clothes, or do the dishes, or teases her often. If the
parents treat this a normal and ask the girl to be okay with that, it might turn the kid into a weak,
dependent, and fragile being and the boy might start feeling as the superior one. In another
scenario, if the parents ask the boy to do his work by himself or to treat his sister with love and
care, the attitude formation might be different and more positive (Watt & Scrandis, 2013). One
of the most common sayings that is used in almost every household is ‘boys will be boys’. What
does this exactly mean? Some perceive it as an approval that boys are free to do anything they
want. Their anger, behavior, and attitudes are taken as normal. It simply means that girls should
get used to it. However, it generates more challenges and issues for the future. The gender
stereotypes are ruining society and creating violence against women. The basic stereotypes make
women weak and boys superior.
This problem is widespread and has severe effects on personal life as well as social life.
In farsightedness, it hinders the economic development because of the negative influence it has
on the productivity of people. Women not only face disrespect at home, but also mistreated in the
workplace. The cases of sexual harassment, unfair treatment, gender bias, denial of opportunities
and promotions, etc. are a few examples. They deserve equal pay for equal work; they are
hardworking and deserve promotions when they work for it. Gender should not be a determinant
of one’s success (Zunic, 2014). A woman at higher designation is generally perceived as the one
taking ‘shortcuts’, even if she has worked day and night to reach up to the ladder. These
prejudices are what makes the violence against women so common.
It is time to break the wheel and change the attitude. Women also deserve love, care, and
most of all respect. The world can be free of violence and women can get the respect they
deserve. The initiatives can begin at home. If parents teach their boys to be cooperative and
supportive and their girls to be confident and expressive, the situation can be changed. One small
step at an individual level can help make a great difference.

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Conclusion
Violence against women is not an uncommon issue. Every corner of the world is familiar
with the term, no matter the culture, the economy, and social status. Though governments have
come forward with campaigns and programs to manage, the issue is still a great problem. The
core of the issue lies in the nature, upbringing, societal influence, and quite ironically, the
solution lies in the same as well. The violence-free world demands respect and safety for women.
They deserve to be treated with respect and not as ‘commodities’. In social life and in personal
life, they deserve to be respected and not exploited. Most people talk about the issue, and that is
all they do-talk. Something has to be done to make this world a safer and better place for women,
sisters, daughters, and wives. Doing nothing is making the situation worse. There is no excuse
for beating a woman or sexually assaulting her, it is wrong in every way. Therefore, steps should
be taken to solve this problem and make the future worth living for women. A simple change in
perception can help bring a profound development.

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References
Coker, D. (2016). Domestic Violence and Social Justice. Violence Against Women, 22(12), 1426-
1437.
Ellis, D. (2016). Marital Separation and Lethal Male Partner Violence. Violence Against
Women, 23(4), 503-519.
Husnu, S., & Mertan, B. (2015). The Roles of Traditional Gender Myths and Beliefs About
Beating on Self-Reported Partner Violence. Journal Of Interpersonal Violence, 32(24),
3735-3752.
Madruga, C., Viana, M., Abdalla, R., Caetano, R., & Laranjeira, R. (2017). Pathways from
witnessing parental violence during childhood to involvement in intimate partner violence in
adult life: The roles of depression and substance use. Drug And Alcohol Review, 36(1), 107-
114.
Matthews, D. (2004). Domestic violence sourcebook (2nd ed.). Detroit: MI:
Omnigraphics.Momoh, C. (2016). Girls matter: Tackling female genital mutilation. British
Journal Of Midwifery, 24(7), 466-466.
McCue, M. (2008). Domestic Violence: A reference handbook (2nd ed.). Santa Barbara:
CA:ABC-CLIO, Inc.
Orange the World, #HearMeToo. (2019). Retrieved from http://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-
focus/end-violence-against-women
OurWatch - Facts and figures. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.ourwatch.org.au/Understanding-Violence/Facts-and-figures
OurWatch - Myths about violence. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.ourwatch.org.au/Understanding-Violence/Myths-about-violence
Seymour, K. (2018). “Stand up, speak out and act”: A critical reading of Australia’s White
Ribbon campaign. Australian & New Zealand Journal Of Criminology, 51(2), 293-310.

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Testa, M., Livingston, J., & VanZile-Tamsen, C. (2011). Advancing the Study of Violence
Against Women Using Mixed Methods: Integrating Qualitative Methods Into a Quantitative
Research Program. Violence Against Women, 17(2), 236-250.
The issue – Respect.gov.au. (2019). Retrieved from
https://www.respect.gov.au/the-campaign/the-issue/
Thomas, L., & Gorzalka, B. (2012). Effect of Sexual Coercion Proclivity, Insult, and Fantasy on
Emotional Reactivity and Appeal of Sexual Aggression. Violence Against Women, 18(8),
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Watt, M., & Scrandis, D. (2013). Traumatic Childhood Exposures in the Lives of Male
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Wettersten, K., Rudolph, S., Faul, K., Gallagher, K., Trangsrud, H., & Adams, K. et al. (2004).
Freedom Through Self-Sufficiency: A Qualitative Examination of the Impact of Domestic
Violence on the Working Lives of Women in Shelter. Journal Of Counseling
Psychology, 51(4), 447-462.
Zunic, N. (2014). Discrimination against women and the human rights of women. Zbornik
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