It is often known as "gender-based" violence because it evolves in part from women's subordinate status in society.

This slender, 40-page special edition of Population Reports, issued in December 1999, offers a stunning array of information about the extent and impact of physical and sexual abuse of women and girls worldwide. It also spells out specific practices that health care workers and other community members can take to promote women's health and help change the cultural norms, beliefs and institutions that legitimize and perpetuate violence against women. Written in clear, easy-to-read language and illustrated with eye-catching photos, cartoons, charts, and graphics, the report is suitable for use in high school and college classrooms as well as health clinics. Links between gender violence and health consequences for women are analyzed and documented, including reproductive health problems (unintended pregnancy, exposure to sexually transmitted diseases), mental health problems (depression, low self-esteem), and substance abuse. A handy, 2-page pull-out guide, "What Health Care Providers Can Do About Domestic Violence," offers tips on screening for abuse in health clinics, safety planning information, power and control wheels highlighting the role health care workers can play in empowering women to overcome abuse, and a checklist of steps that community members (including men) can take to promote nonviolent relationships. A bibliography of 500+ entries points the way towards further reading and research.

Recommended for health care workers, women's advocates, teachers of high school and college health and social studies classes, and community members working to bring about widespread changes in women's health and social status.

Citation: Heise, L., Ellsberg, M. and Gottemoeller, M. Ending Violence Against Women. Population Reports, Series L, No. ll. Baltimore, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health, Population Information Program, December 1999.