Violence against women is a human rights violation, often fuelled by long-standing social and cultural norms that reinforce its “acceptability”.
Growing evidence from around the world shows that a large proportion of women and girls are subjected to violence. Recent research by the World Health Organization reveals that in some countries more than half of all women experience sexual violence by an intimate partner.

Violence and the threat of violence dramatically increase women’s vulnerability to HIV by making it difficult or impossible for them to abstain from sex, to get their partners to be faithful, or to use a condom. Violence can also deter women from accessing HIV prevention, care and treatment services.

Governments the world over need to enact and enforce laws that prevent violence against women, and develop strategies so that those who uphold the law know how to apply it and support survivors of violence. It is also important for  national IDS plans to integrate strategies to reduce violence against women, and link violence prevention efforts with mainstream HIV prevention and treatment services.

UN Special Envoy speaks out on violence against women
Read the full statement by Elizabeth Mataka
Read more on International Day Against Violence Against Women on the UNIFEM web site

Addressing violence against women in HIV testing and counselling, A WHO meeting report, 2007

Brussels Call to Action to Address Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond, International Symposium on Sexual Violence in Conflict and Beyond, 21-23 June 2006, Brussels

UNIFEM: Transforming the National AIDS Response