Violence against women is an act of gender-based violence that results in, or may result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.

These come in the forms of;

- Sexual physical, or emotional abuse by an intimate partner.

-Physical or sexual abuse by family members or others.

-Sexual harassment and abuse by authority figures (such as teachers, police officers or employers).

-Trafficking for forced labour or sex.

-Traditional practices as forced or child marriages.

-Dowry-related violence.

-Honour killings;when women are murdered in the name of family honour.

-Systematic sexual abuse in conflict situations is another form of violence against women a good example is the recent post election violence.

With this respect, Violence against women is a major public health problem and a violation of human rights.

A lack of access to education and opportunity, and low social status in communities are linked to violence against women.

Violence by an intimate partner is one of the most common forms of violence against women.

A wide range of physical, mental, sexual and reproductive, and maternal health problems can result from violence against women.

Many women do not seek help or report their experiences when violence occurs.

Forms of (VAW)

1) Physical violence: Here a woman is:
-slapped, or had something thrown at her.
- pushed,
-Had her hair pulled.
-Hit with a fist or something else that could hurt.
-Choked or burnt.
-Threatened with a weapon or the same used against her.

2)Sexual violence: Here a woman is;
-physically forced to have sexual intercourse had sexual
intercourse because she was afraid of what her
partner might do.
-Forced to do something sexual that she finds degrading or humiliating.
-Raped

3)Emotional violence: Here a woman is;
-Being humiliated or belittled.
-Being scared or intimidated purposefully.

4)Intimate-partner violence (domestic violence) Here a woman faces any of the above types of violence in the hands of an intimate partner or ex-partner.

We can fight this by:
-Eradicating extreme poverty and hunger
-Achieving universal primary education
-Promoting gender equality and empower women
-Improving maternal health
-Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases
-Ensuring environmental sustainability

It takes individual responsibility to say no against Violence against Women,you don’t have to crusade,just change your personal mentality on how you perceive women in society.