2. Prevalence
of Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a serious problem around the world.
It violates the fundamental human rights of women and often results
in serious injury or death. While statistics vary slightly, women
are victims of violence in approximately 95% of the cases of domestic
violence. While women do use violence against intimate partners,
women’s use of violence is
distinct from men’s use of violence in historical, cultural, psychological,
motivational and situational ways.
Statistics on the prevalence
of the problem indicate that domestic violence is a worldwide epidemic.
Studies show that between one quarter and one half of all women
in the world have been abused by intimate partners. Worldwide, 40-70%
of all female murder victims are killed by an intimate partner.
Many people view domestic violence as exclusively part of
certain ethnic or racial communities, or as unique to certain classes,
within their societies. In interviews throughout the CEE/CIS region,
for example, people often discussed domestic violence in terms of
the race, ethnicity, class, education level or age of the abuser
or victim. The group or community identified as the victims and
perpetrators depended on the country and background of the person
being interviewed. This myth conflicts with research that shows
domestic violence occurs in all social, economic, religious and
cultural groups.
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