What is Violence?
Men's violence against women embraces all forms of physical, psychological and sexual abuse. It occurs in all social classes and in every age group. There isn't a particular type of woman who is affected and it isn't possible to tell in advance which men will be perpetrators. The abuse may be carried out by someone close to the woman but also by acquaintances or unknown men.
UN's definition
According to the UN, violence against women is: "Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."
Violence against women is a violation of bodily integrity and of women's basic human rights. It is also a criminal act subject to punishment.
Questions and answers
My husband has never caused me serious physical injury. But he says that he is going to kill me. I am frightened. Is this abuse?