The following is the definition of "violence against women" used in this brief: "Violence against women is a multifaceted problem which encompasses physical, sexual, psychological, and economic violations of women and which is integrally linked to the social/economic/political structures, values, and policies that silence women in our society, support gender-based discrimination, and maintain women's inequality." A review of studies on the range and patterns of physical and sexual violence against women found that the majority of women can expect to be the victims of some form of violence at some time in their lives. Women are more likely than men to be victims of serious violence, and men are overwhelmingly the perpetrators of violence. Some of the findings are that women are much more likely than men to be attacked by relatives, friends, and acquaintances; and they are more likely than men to be victims of repeated, ongoing violence. The brief advises that violence against women is not only physical, but is also emotional and economic. It has long-term costs psychologically and economically for the victims, and has economic costs for society. The report identifies factors that contribute to violence against women and argues that this violence must be viewed more holistically. A major theme of the brief is that violence against women is woven into the fabric of Canada's social and economic institutions, as they perpetrate gender inequality and demean women. The proposed recommendations for addressing the problem focus on including women as an equal and integral part of society, validating their worth, protecting them from violence, and providing them with resources for escaping repetitive violence. 40 notes