Elimination of Violence Against Women

The Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women states that:

1. Violence against women means any act of gender-based violence that results in physical, sexual or psychological harm to women. This can include threats of violence, intimidation, forced removal of freedom. This applies in both public and private life.


2. Violence against women includes:
   
   • Physical, sexual and psychological violence in the home. This includes wife-beating, sexual abuse of girl-children in the home, dowry-related violence, raping your wife, female genital mutilation or other traditional practices that may bring harm to women.
   • Physical, sexual and psychological violence in the community. This includes rape, sexual abuse and harassment. This includes places like work, educational institutions, and any other public place. Trafficking in women and forcing a woman into prostitution is also considered violence against women.
   • Physical, sexual, and psychological violence done by or with the agreement of the government.


3. Women are entitled to all of the rights outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. These include the right to life, equality, freedom and security, protection by the law, to be free from discrimination, the right to mental and physical health, the right to good work conditions, and the right to be free from torture or other inhuman treatment.
4. Government should condemn violence against women and should not use custom, tradition or religious beliefs to keep from eliminating it. The Government should put in place policies and laws to protect women from violence.