What Is Violence Against Women ?

The Declaration on the Elimination on Violence Against Women (DEVAW) defines violence against women as:
“Any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty whether … in public or private.”
The United Kingdom Home office describes Domestic Violence as a general term describing a range of controlling and coercive behaviors, used by one person to maintain control over another with whom they have, or have had, an intimate or family relationship. Domestic abuse is rarely a one-off incident and is the cumulative and interlinked physical, psychological, sexual, emotional or financial abuse that has a particularly damaging effect on the victim. Domestic abuse occurs amongst people of all ethnicities, sexualities, ages, disabilities, immigration status, religions or beliefs, and socio-economic backgrounds. The CPS recognizes domestic abuse differs in severity between incidents, and more often than not, will increase in frequency and seriousness, having a cumulative impact on the victim/complainant
The Government revised its definition of domestic violence and abuse in March 2013 as:
“Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling coercive or threatening behavior, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality.”

Controlling behavior is

a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependant by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behavior.

Coercive behavior is

an act or a pattern of acts of assaults, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim.

Family members are

defined as mother, father, son, daughter, brother, sister and grandparents whether directly related, in-laws or step-family. However, this is not an exhaustive list and may also be extended to uncles, aunts and cousins etc.

Further Definitions

The revised definition is supported by an explanatory text

“This definition, which is not a legal definition, includes so called ‘honour’ based violence, female genital mutilation (FGM) and forced marriage, and is clear that victims are not confined to one gender or ethnic group.”
This definition of domestic abuse is also used by the police to identify cases referred to the CPS under the Director’s Guidance on charging. This definition is also used by other Government Departments to inform their own policies.
The safety of complainants and children in addition to the defendant’s accountability are important to the CPS when prosecuting cases of domestic abuse. Prosecutors should apply this policy to all cases of current or former partner or family abuse irrespective of the age of the offender or the complainant.
Prosecutors should note that different considerations will apply to offenders under 18 years old; prosecutors should refer to the legal guidance on Youth offenders for further advice in handling such cases. In addition, prosecutors should be alerted that where young victims under 18 years old are involved, child protection and safeguarding considerations are required and must be properly applied.onfined to one gender or ethnic group.”

What Religious Leaders Can Do To Respond To Sexual And Domestic Violence

1. Work to change the conditions that perpetuate violence against women.
2. Create an environment of awareness by displaying books and brochures.
3. Host an information and awareness event with educational materials.
4. Arrange for a guest speaker for your congregation or community.
5. Implement a healthy relationships curriculum, in your religious school and with your youth groups.
6. Support the safety and well-being of survivors.
7. Hold abusers accountable for their behavior.
8. Screen for domestic violence during premarital counseling.
9. Sign the National Declaration by Religious & Spiritual Leaders to Address Violence Against Women.
10. Get to know your local domestic violence, sexual assault, and child abuse service providers.
11. Provide training for staff and volunteers on how to recognize and respond to signs of abuse.
12. Utilize the texts, traditions, and values of your religion as resources for addressing violence.