This chapter explores “violence against women” as a social justice and public health issue. Violence against women is a form of discrimination and inequality that violates human rights. It is a gross violation of a person's right to life, liberty, and security, and is one of the most pervasive human rights issues in the United States. It disproportionately affects women of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and other marginalized communities, often in more extreme and dangerous forms. It is a public health issue, as it can cause physical and psychological harm to victims and lead to long-term health problems, such as depression and anxiety. It can cause economic hardship for victims, as domestic violence and sexual assault often result in job loss, missed work days, and decreased productivity. Violence against women is a safety issue, as it can lead to increased fear and insecurity in public spaces, making it difficult for women to access services, work, and participate in public life. This chapter explores the topic through a review of current and emerging literature.
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Gender equity refers to fairness and justice in treating all genders. This includes the notion that all genders should have the same opportunities, rights, and resources, regardless of gender identity or expression. In the United States, gender equity is still far from being achieved. Gender stereotypes can contribute to gender inequity by limiting women's potential and their access to opportunities. This can be seen through the pay gap and the lack of female representation in specific fields (Swim et al., 2017). Women are also paid less than men for equal work and are more likely to face gender-based discrimination in the workplace. Women in the United States are more likely to live in poverty than men and have less access to economic resources. This can lead to an overall lack of financial security and a decreased ability to access essential services, such as education and healthcare (Sisson, 2014).
Violence against women is a form of gender-based violence that disproportionately affects women and girls. It includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse and economic and social coercion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in three women will experience physical violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. In addition, one in five women will experience sexual violence in their lifetime (CDC, 2023). These statistics underscore the need for more effective strategies to address the issue of violence against women.
Gender equity refers to the equitable treatment of men and women and the promotion of fairness in distributing power and resources. The United States has taken several steps to ensure gender equity, including the passage of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (U.S. Department of Labor, 2020). These laws have sought to address the wage gap between men and women, ensure equal access to education, and provide family and medical leave. Despite these efforts, gender inequity persists in the United States. A 2020 report from the Institute for Women's Policy Research found that women earned 82 cents for every dollar earned by men, and women of color earned even less (Institute for Women's Policy Research, 2020).
Additionally, women are still underrepresented in specific industries, such as STEM fields and positions of leadership. These inequities have led to several social and economic issues, including poverty and lack of access to resources. Violence against women is a pervasive issue in the United States and worldwide. It includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence (World Health Organization, 2019). According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 1 in 3 women in the United States have experienced physical violence from an intimate partner, and 1 in 5 women have experienced sexual violence (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, 2020). Additionally, the U.S. Department of Justice reports that 1 in 4 college women have experienced some form of sexual violence (U.S. Department of Justice, 2019). This violence can occur in the home, while out in the world, and while going to school.