Violence against women and girls

What is violence against women and girls?

The UN definition describes violence against women and girls as

'any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.'

UN Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women

It can include:

  • Domestic abuse
  • Sexual violence and rape
  • Stalking and harassment
  • Trafficking of women
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Intimidation and harassment at work, in education or in public
  • Forced prostitution
  • Forced marriage
  • 'Honour' crimes

Advice and support information

Beech House - The Kent and Medway SARC - Home (beechhousesarc.org)

Stalking and harassment | Police.uk (www.police.uk)

Stalking and harassment - Victim Support

Suzy Lamplugh Trust

Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop | Home-Start Shepway (homestartshepway.org.uk)

Domestic Violence UK

Rising Sun: Domestic Violence & Abuse Service