Multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence against women 2011, para. 68
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The inter-gender hierarchy between men and women inherent to patriarchy, together with the intra-gender hierarchy according to which women are constructed and valued, gives rise to the competing impulses of protecting valued women and attacking devalued women. In many cases, a cultural belief of, and value attached to, patriarchal authority, contributes to the gender stratification that exacerbates forms of violence against women. Many traditions promote the notion that the man is the natural head of the household, and when violence occurs in such contexts it can be very difficult for a woman to recognize her abuse as a violation of her rights. Even in cases where she suspects that she has a right not to be abused, there may be little or no community support for her to leave a household where violence is occurring.
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Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences