28. Several representatives stated that the fundamental link between women’s inequality and violence should be given more attention. Violence was viewed as a continuum of behaviour involving men’s abuse of power over women who had less power, owing to their gender-related unequal status in all societies. Many representatives informed the Commission of measures adopted to combat violence against women in their countries such as stricter terms of punishment of perpetrators; legal protection of women and aid to women; support of shelters for battered women; new legislation, particularly in regard to rape, and new procedures for facilitating complaints and the prosecution of the perpetrators; training of law enforcement personnel to assist rape victims; modified court procedures and financial compensation to rape victims. It was suggested that an in-depth study of the treatment of those who commit violent crimes against women be made. Among other innovative actions undertaken in order to stop violence against women, the initiative to encourage non-violent men to speak out against such violence and not to excuse the violence of other men was mentioned as part of a community education programme. One representative described the action taken to stop female sexual mutilation. Another representative spoke about a successful survey on the generational cycle of violence, its association with substance abuse, and the reluctance of women to tell about their victimization. 29. The increased understanding of the causes and mechanisms of violence, which had resulted in new approaches and actions by the judiciary and social welfare and health-care institutions, was stressed. Although physical and sexual violence had become visible and were being addressed, the moral and psychological violence resulting from oppression and discrimination remained invisible. Thus, those particular forms of violence should be given more attention by the Commission. 30. The need for cooperation among private organizations, Governments, non-governmental organizations and other relevant institutions and the establishment of inter-ministerial groups to combat violence against women were also mentioned. 31. A few representatives expressed support for the new measures aimed at the prevention of sexual harassment in the United Nations Secretariat. While several representatives mentioned the issue of sexual harassment, one representative described in detail the action taken at the national level in her country to combat and prevent it. 32. Several representatives commended the recommendations of the 1993 Expert Group Meeting on Measures to Eradicate Violence against Women. One representative suggested that such recommendations could be useful to address violence against women at the national level. Another representative referred to the report of the Secretary-General on peace (E/CN.6/1994/4), which had focused on measures to combat violence against women and did not sufficiently consider the patterns of relationship between men and women or the various means that would be useful for breaking the cycle of power and abuse which were the key issues in preventing violence. 33. Several representatives expressed their concern about the insufficient attention paid to the abuses of the human rights of women in armed conflicts. Reference was made to the crimes against women committed in the territory of the former Yugoslavia and the urgent need to bring the perpetrators before the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law Committed in the Territory of the Former Yugoslavia Since 1991. The establishment of a special unit in the office -75-