Stop Violence Against Women

Women, violence and poverty. Breaking free of the gender trap

Violence against women is often ignored and rarely punished

Women and girls suffer disproportionately from violence - both in peace and in war, at the hands of the state, the community and the family.

A life free from violence is a basic human right

From the home to the conflict zone, violence against women must stop.

Amnesty International's campaign to Stop Violence Against Women:

  • Pushes for the implementation of existing laws that guarantee access to justice and services for women subjected to violence including rape and other forms of sexual violence
  • Calls for new laws to be enacted that will protect women's human rights
  • Demands an end to laws that discriminate against women
  • Urges the ending of violence against women perpetrated by a state and its agents
  • Works to empower women

 

News and Updates

Rape victims worldwide denied justice and dignity

8 March 2010

To mark International Women's Day, Amnesty International has released two reports looking at sexual violence in Cambodia and the Nordic Countries.

Cambodia's government must protect victims of sexual violence as reports of rape increase

8 March 2010

A new Amnesty International report shows how corruption and discrimination within the police and courts prevent survivors of rape from receiving justice.

Malaysia urged to end brutal punishments after women caned

18 February 2010

Three Muslim women were caned at a prison near Kuala Lumpur after the Shariah court system had  convicted them of having extramarital sex.

Amnesty International on its work with Moazzam Begg and Cageprisoners

11 February 2010

Amnesty International's interim Secretary General Claudio Cordone on the controversy surrounding the organization in light of statements made by a staff member.

Governments urged to condemn Nicaragua abortion ban

4 February 2010

The country's revised penal code stipulates prison sentences for girls and women who seek an abortion and for health professionals who provide health services associated with abortion.

Appeals for Action

Make the United Nations more effective in realizing women’s rights

25 February 2010

The United Nations is a galvanizing force in setting new international standards and commitments to protect and promote women’s human rights especially those at risk of violence, or facing poverty. Make the United Nations more effective in realizing women’s rights.

Chad: No Safe Place for Women

19 February 2010

Sudanese Women living in refugee camps face rape and other violence. Outside the camps, they face a range of abuses from harassment and threats to physical attacks.

Turning the tide against HIV in South Africa

25 November 2009

Call on the Ministry of Transport to help increase access to health services for HIV, particularly for women, by improving the regularity and affordability of rural transport systems.

Video and Audio

Video: The women of Kibera in Kenya

4 March 2009

For women living in one of the largest slums in the world, life can be devastating.

Women of Liberia: Fighting for Peace

23 July 2008

During the conflict in Liberia between 1989 and 1997 and again between 1999 and 2003, it is estimated that women made up over 30% of the fighting force. Although the c

Video: Brazilian women's lives shattered

17 April 2008

Women in Brazil are finding themselves left to pick up the pieces following criminal and police violence in shanty-towns.

How you can help

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