Stop Violence Against Women

Women, violence and poverty. Breaking free of the gender trap

Violence against women is often ignored and rarely punished

Women and girls suffer disproportionately from violence - both in peace and in war, at the hands of the state, the community and the family.

A life free from violence is a basic human right

From the home to the conflict zone, violence against women must stop.

Amnesty International's campaign to Stop Violence Against Women:

  • Pushes for the implementation of existing laws that guarantee access to justice and services for women subjected to violence including rape and other forms of sexual violence
  • Calls for new laws to be enacted that will protect women's human rights
  • Demands an end to laws that discriminate against women
  • Urges the ending of violence against women perpetrated by a state and its agents
  • Works to empower women

 

News and Updates

Landmark US legislation addresses sexual violence against native women

23 July 2010

The Tribal Law and Order Act, which was passed by the US House of Representatives this week, aims to address public safety issues in Indian territories.

Attack on Afghan female politician highlights growing risk to women

8 April 2010

Nida Khyani, a female Provincial Council member, was left in critical condition after being attacked in a drive-by shooting in Pul-e-Khumri.

Victims of rape and sexual violence denied justice in Uganda

7 April 2010

Amnesty International urges the Ugandan authorities to provide support for women seeking justice for sexual and domestic violence.

Albanian women deserve justice

25 March 2010

The authorities have been urged to take further steps to protect the one in three women in the country who are victims of domestic violence.

Rape victims worldwide denied justice and dignity

8 March 2010

To mark International Women's Day, Amnesty International has released two reports looking at sexual violence in Cambodia and the Nordic Countries.

Video and Audio

Video: The women of Kibera in Kenya

4 March 2009

For women living in one of the largest slums in the world, life can be devastating.

Women of Liberia: Fighting for Peace

23 July 2008

During the conflict in Liberia between 1989 and 1997 and again between 1999 and 2003, it is estimated that women made up over 30% of the fighting force. Although the c

Video: Brazilian women's lives shattered

17 April 2008

Women in Brazil are finding themselves left to pick up the pieces following criminal and police violence in shanty-towns.

How you can help

svaw-bangladeshi-girl-175x65.jpg

Schools are not just places to learn and realize potential - some are also places of fear and violence.

More about how violence stops girls going to school