Published Paper Details:

Gender-based violence is presented primarily within the public health framework. It should be noted, however, that the authors recognise violence against women as a fundamental violation of human rights and a crime against women and society. All citizens also have the right to bias-free, affordable and accessible legal, social and health care services that can help to mitigate the negative consequences of the inflicted violence. Within the public health framework, violence is conceptualized as a problem that can be prevented and its consequences alleviated through social and health based interventions. Public health strategies can function at various levels in responding to violence - at the individual, community, and societal levels. As victims and survivors of violence approach the health care system for relief of the resulting physical and psychological trauma, health care professionals play an important role in the treatment of such injury, rehabilitation of victims, and prevention of further trauma (secondary and tertiary levels of care). With regard to prevention - or primary level care - community-based public health interventions can be instrumental in changing social norms, creating social pressures against violent behaviour, and educating the public about the health, social, and legal consequences of violence. While the public health system is recognized as one of the most critical sites for addressing violence, it currently lacks the capacity and sensitivity to adequately and effectively respond to the needs of victims and survivors.