Woman Assault

“The Silent Crime”

Violence against women cuts across all racial, social, cultural, economic, political and religious backgrounds. All women by virtue of their gender are vulnerable to violent and abuse. A great number of violence related incidents in communities go unreported. It is important to understand what is meant by violence against women.

Woman assault or partner assault is the intent by the husband/partner to intimidate the woman, either by threat or by the use of physical and verbal abuse, or to destroy her property. The intent of the assault is to exercise power and control over the woman. There are different types of abuse. They include physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, threat, intimidation, economic deprivation, use of male privilege, use of children and isolation. Children witness these types of abuse most of the time. It negatively impacts on their mental health directly and indirectly.

“Violence against women is a crime and must be treated as such”

Nobody deserves to be abused. Women in abusive relationships are encouraged to leave for a safe environment such as a shelter. It is not something to be ashamed of because:

• You are not the cause of the problem


• You have the right not to be abused


• You are not alone


• Abuse happens to women from all cultural, racial, socioeconomic, educational and ethnic backgrounds.