The United Nations has published a new inter-agency document titled, “A framework to underpin action to prevent violence against women.” Violence against women is the most widespread human rights violation worldwide. Violence against women also has far-reaching adverse consequences for the health and wellbeing of women and girls. After consistent advocacy from different actors, the world community has now recognized violence against women as both a serious human rights issue and a significant barrier to sustainable human development. Most efforts to date have focused on interventions after acts of violence have occurred. The purpose of the framework is to facilitate action to prevent many forms of violence against women such as early marriage, female genital mutilation, and domestic violence.
Compiled from: A framework to underpin action to prevent violence against women, UN Women Publications (December 10, 2015).