last updated 24 April 2007
The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women does not directly address violence against women. In 1992, the Committee adopted General Recommendation 19 which explains that the prohibition of gender-based discrimination includes violence. The Committee stated, "violence that is directed at a woman because she is a woman or that affects women disproportionately [is discrimination]. It includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other deprivations of liberty . . ." Violence against women is an internationally recognized human rights violation when either a public official or a private person commits the violence. State parties to CEDAW must take all the necessary measures to eliminate violence, including legal sanctions, civil remedies, preventative measures, (such as public information and education campaigns) and protective measures (such as support services for victims). | 
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