"Domestic violence," as defined by this report, includes violence perpetrated by intimate partners and other family members and manifested through physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, and economic abuse. Domestic violence is one of the most pervasive of human rights violations, denying women and girls equality, security, dignity, self-worth, and their right to enjoy fundamental freedoms. Violence against women is present in every country, cutting across boundaries of culture, class, education, income, ethnicity, and age. Although most societies proscribe violence against women, violations against women's human rights are often sanctioned under the garb of cultural practices and norms, or through misinterpretation of religious tenets. Moreover, when the violence occurs within the home, as is often the case, the abuse is effectively condoned by the tacit silence and the passivity displayed by the state and its law enforcement agencies. Domestic violence against women and children requires coordinated and integrated policy responses; the enhancement of partnerships between stakeholders; setting up mechanisms for monitoring and evaluating programs and policies; implementing existing legislation; and ensuring greater transparency and accountability from governments. 68 references