Multiple and intersecting forms of discrimination and violence against women 2011, para. 46
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The World Health Organization recognizes violence against women as a major public health problem which can result in "a wide range of physical, mental, sexual and reproductive, and maternal health problems." Health practitioners identify gender-based violence as having especially wide-ranging consequences on women's lives and "include the psychological impact of violence, loss of personal freedom, diminished capacity to participate in public life, and a dramatically increased risk of acquiring HIV and other STIs." Women who are already lacking health care and medical treatment due to economic, social, political and geographic barriers are at greater risk of chronic, and possibly fatal, effects of violence.
Legal status
Non-negotiated soft law
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Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences