Part One examines the context for violence against women in Canada. After defining violence, the alarming prevalence of violence against women in Canada is documented, followed by an analysis of the human, social, and financial costs of such violence. The relationship between patriarchy and violence against women, along with other bases of inequality, are also discussed. Part Two contains chapters on the various forms of violence against women. One chapter considers woman abuse in the context of perpetrator-victim relationships that include strangers, acquaintances, and intimates. Child abuse and revictimization are also discussed. An analysis of woman abuse in various settings focuses on workplace harassment and violence in various workplaces. In discussing under- acknowledged forms of violence against women, the Panel addresses ritual abuse, stalking/criminal harassment, pornography, abuse of trust, and reproductive technologies. Part Three considers the nature and experience of violence in various female populations in Canada, including older women, poor women, disabled women, rural women, lesbians, and various racial and ethnic minorities. In considering violence against women in various institutions, the institutions addressed are community service agencies, the health care system, the legal system, the workplace, the military, education, and media and culture. The National Action Plan introduces the concept of zero tolerance (no level of violence is acceptable). All organizations and institutions are encouraged to review their programs, practices, and products in the context of zero tolerance policy, which includes an accountability framework, implementation steps, and a zero tolerance model for organizations and institutions to follow. Specific plans are presented for each of the institutions previously discussed. A Personal Action Plan is also recommended. Appended supplementary information