The World Bank Discussion Paper 255
 http://www.worldbank.org/html/extpb/abshtml/12980.htm 

Violence against Women: The Hidden Health Burden. World Bank Discussion Paper 255
Author(s): Lori L. Heise, with Jacqueline Pitanguy and Adrienne Germain.
84 pages / 8½ x 11 / ISBN 0-8213-2980-4 / Stock No. 12980 / $7.95 / Price code 007
Out of print

Compiles and presents existing data worldwide on the problem of gender-based violence as a public health issue.

This paper draws together data on the dimensions of violence against women worldwide and reviews available literature on the health consequences of abuse. According to recent World Bank estimates, gender-based violence--including rape, domestic violence, mutilation, murder, and sexual abuse-- accounts for one out of every five healthy days of life lost to women of reproductive age. The health burden created by this type of violence is comparable to that from other conditions already high on the world agenda.

The authors explore primary prevention, justice system reform, health care response, programs to assist victims, and treatment and reeducation programs for perpetrators. They argue that in addition to treating the symptoms, the root causes of gender-based violence must be found. This implies changing the social attitudes and beliefs that underpin men's violence toward women.