(iii) Rape and sexual coercion: Forced sex is mainly perpetrated by partners, male
family members, and individuals in positions of authority. It involves both physical
and non-physical pressure (e.g. blackmail).
(iv) Child Sexual abuse: Child sexual abuse is a practice that usually extends over time
and is usually perpetrated by a father or another male family member as well as
family friends, religious leaders, teachers and childcare workers. Child abuse
includes rape, pornography, sexual touching or forcing a child to touch others, etc.
(v)
Prostitution and trafficking: The trafficking of women and girls for prostitution,
sexual exploitation and forced labour is becoming a highly profitable activity. “…
War, displacement and economic and social inequities between and within countries,
and the demand for low-wage labour and sex work drive this illicit trade in women
…” They are forced by physical and sexual violence as well as by confiscating vital
documents such as passports.
(vi) Rape in war: Rape has traditionally been used as a strategy to undermine the morale
of a community. In 2002 the International Criminal Tribunal in Hague condemned
this violence as a crime against humanity. Violence against refugee and displaced
women is also included here.
(vii) Traditional practices/ Spiritual abuse: Using the religious or spiritual beliefs and
traditional practices to manipulate, dominate, and control women. In many countries
there are traditions that violate women’s human rights. Some of these practices
include female genital mutilation (every year an estimated 2 million young girls
undergo this procedure), sex-selective abortion, female infanticide and deliberate
neglect of girls.
CAUSES OF VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN
The causes of gender-based violence are many and varied depending on the
types of violence. Traditional attitudes towards women around the world help perpetuate the
violence. Stereotypical roles in which women are seen as subordinate to men, constrain a
woman’s ability to exercise choices that would enable her end the abuse. Bitangaro (1999)
had summarized the causes of violence against women as being deeply rooted in the way
Dr. George Varghese, MTTC Pathanapuram
Page 2