Wife abuse is probably the most endemic form of violence against women and accounts for 90 to 98 percent of all spousal assault. It occurs in all societies and in all racial, cultural, and socioeconomic groups, although it is generally regarded as a private matter rather than a crime. In addition, idealized images of the family and negative views toward divorce serve to perpetuate the abuse. Another form of violence is the dowry death, a phenomenon that takes place on the Indian subcontinent when a husband murders a bride whose parents fail to provide enough dowry. In parts of Africa and the Middle East, young girls suffer genital mutilation in the form of female circumcision. In response to abuse, women are organizing shelters, lobbying for legal reform, and combating the sexism that underlies violence. However, ending crimes of gender will require women worldwide to recognize their common oppression and challenge the legal framework that supports male violence. Action by international organizations is also needed. 79 references