The chapter is concerned specifically with gender violence against women by a spouse or partner in the context of domestic relations. Section one discusses how the concept of violence has shifted from a psychopathological and individual view to a social view of a multi-causal problem. Section two briefly summarizes the results of the main qualitative and quantitative studies conducted in the region. The third section describes programs implemented in the region, ranging from changes in the law to intersectoral and inter-institutional programs. The fourth section outlines priority actions for the future. Combating violence should be part of a country’s development policy, because domestic violence has social, economic and political consequences for society as a whole. It should also be part of a country’s human rights policy and an important element of cultural policy. Tables, notes, references