UN definition of VAWG
Locally we have adopted the United Nations Declaration on Elimination of Violence against Women, which defines violence against women as:
"Any act of gender-based violence that results in or is likely to result in physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women [or girls], including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty." (1993, Article 1)
We use the term VAWG in recognition that most victims and survivors are women and girls, but people of any gender identity can experience abuse.
The vast majority of perpetrators are men, and it is important to name this as male violence while recognising that men and boys can also be victims and survivors.
This abuse happens in all societies and communities and affects people regardless of their background, ethnicity, occupation, religion, sexuality, or personal characteristics including disability. It can happen to children and adults of all ages.
Many people may not recognise what they are experiencing as abuse.