Recognizing the problem

Gender violence is produced as a consequence of gender inequalities, generally from men to women, but it can even happen vice-versa. During the last years, gender violence has been recognized and treated as a public problem, instead of private. Specialists of great organizations such as OPS (*) have identified potential solutions for the State and society.

Although certain approaches are more effective than others, the key to eliminating gender violence resides in the participation of multiple sectors and entire communities. When approaching the issue of gender violence from all angles, the possibilities of prevention become a reality, social networks are created for guaranteeing that victims of violence receive the attention and protection they need, and that less women become victims.

The creation of these networks includes integrating prevention and attention to violence in the existing systems and services as well as the design of new responses. The social responses to gender violence are part of different categories: health assistance services, assistance for victims, intervention programs with aggressors, information campaigns in the media, education, legal responses, community interventions, programs based on faith, conferences and international conventions.

Sexual violence and marriage: many marital relations are rape.

Violent men: the role of men in gender violence.

Small children can get infected when playing in parks contaminated with feces of infected animals.