International Violence Against Women

In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognised international violence against women (VAW) as a significant human rights and global health issue. VAW, which can include both random acts of violence as well as sustained abuse over time, can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature. Studies have found that VAW occurs in all geographic regions, countries, cultures, and economic classes, with some surveys showing that women in developing countries experience higher rates of violence than those in developed countries. Many experts view VAW as a symptom of the historically unequal power relationship between men and women, and argue that over time this imbalance has led to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate a cycle of violence. U.S. policymakers have generally focused on specific types or circumstances of violence rather than VAW as a stand-alone issue.Congress has authorised and appropriated funds for international programs that address VAW, including human trafficking and female genital cutting. Past and current Administrations have also supported efforts to reduce international levels of VAW - though many of these activities are implemented as components of broader international development initiatives. This book addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of U.S. activities that address VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It also outlines possible policy considerations for the 110th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of current U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; strengthening U.S. government co-ordination of international anti-VAW activities; and collaborating with international organisations such as the United Nations on anti- VAW efforts. In recent years, the international community has increasingly recognized international violence against women (VAW) as a significant human rights and global health issue. VAW, which can include both random acts of violence as well as sustained abuse over time, can be physical, psychological, or sexual in nature. Studies have found that VAW occurs in all geographic regions, countries, cultures, and economic classes, with some surveys showing that women in developing countries experience higher rates of violence than those in developed countries. Many experts view VAW as a symptom of the historically unequal power relationship between men and women, and argue that over time this imbalance has led to pervasive cultural stereotypes and attitudes that perpetuate a cycle of violence. U.S. policymakers have generally focused on specific types or circumstances of violence rather than VAW as a stand-alone issue. Congress has authorized and appropriated funds for international programs that address VAW, including human trafficking and female genital cutting. Past and current Administrations have also supported efforts to reduce international levels of VAW — though many of these activities are implemented as components of broader international development initiatives. This book addresses causes, prevalence, and consequences of violence against women. It provides examples of U.S. activities that address VAW directly or include anti-VAW components. It also outlines possible policy considerations for the 110th Congress, including the scope and effectiveness of current U.S. programs; further integrating anti-VAW programs into U.S. assistance and foreign policy mechanisms; strengthening U.S. government coordination of international anti-VAW activities; and collaborating with international organizations such as the United Nations on anti- VAW efforts. Defining violence against women Scope and context Social and health consequences Prevalence and circumstances Types of violence Harmful traditional practices Administration efforts Interagency activities Key issues and related U.S. activities Global health Related U.S. activities Humanitarian assistance and refugees Related U.S. activities Foreign military training Related U.S. activities Trafficking in women and girls Related U.S. activities Legal and political rights Related U.S. activities Selected United Nations and other international efforts U.N. conferences, agreements, and resolutions United Nations and U.N. system activities Other international efforts Policy issues for congress Scope, effectiveness, and funding of current U.S. programs Integration into foreign assistance programs and additional funding Coordination among U.S. agencies and departments Collaboration with international organizations Possible program implementation challenges Infrastructure and priorities Most effective approaches? Program evaluation Lack of comparable data Current and emerging issues The role of men and boys Link to HIV/AIDS Discrimination and violence Possible economic impacts.