Violence against women is one of the most tangible manifestations of the economic, social, political and cultural inequalities that exist between men and women. Violence against women constitutes a violation of their human rights and fundamental freedoms, manifesting itself in numerous forms and often causing grave physical and psychological consequences.
Violence against women is present in the private and public spheres of women's lives, and it is understood to include physical, sexual and psychological damage that occurs within the family or domestic unit as well as within other interpersonal relationships. It also occurs in the community, in the workplace and in educational, health and other state institutions.
As recognized by the international community, the link between violence against women and reproductive health is fundamental to understanding that such violence constitutes a public health problem. Violence against women, especially sexual violence, violates a woman's right to have control over her sexuality and her reproduction. It also deprives victims of the right to enjoy a healthy and satisfactory sexual life, which is an integral part of life and of healthy personal relationships. Sexual violence can also deprive a woman of her right to voluntary motherhood by producing unwanted or forced pregnancies.
Included under this concern is the topic of trafficking of women. The term trafficking encompasses the many forms of slave-like labor and sexual exploitation occurring throughout the world. Although the victims of trafficking include children as well as men, the vast majority of victims are women. It becomes critical then to understand the connection between the trafficking of women with other forms of women's subordination. Indeed, gender discrimination and war, poverty and violence against women all fuel the criminally-organized trafficking industry.