Violence against women is a global outrage. The experience or threat of violence affects the lives of women everywhere, cutting across boundaries of wealth, race and culture. In the home and in the community, in times of war and peace, women are beaten, raped, mutilated and killed with impunity. Within this book Amnesty International explores the relationship between violence against women and poverty, discrimination and militarization. It highlights the responsibility of the state, the community and individuals for taking action to end violence against women.