Introduction

Figure 9.1 Violence Against Women Act President Barack Obama signed the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) in 2013, continuing significant legal changes that protected women’s rights in the United States. Years later, the VAWA was allowed to expire. (credit: “Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013” Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy/The White House President Barack Obama, CC BY 3.0)

Chapter Outline

9.1 Incidence, History, and Psychosocial Factors

9.2 Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence

9.3 Sexual Abuse and Assault

9.4 Human Trafficking

9.5 Social and Cultural Practices of Violence Against Women

9.6 Psychological Trauma of Violence Against Women

Violence against women targets all women: cisgender women (persons assigned female at birth who identify as women), transgender women (persons assigned male at birth who identify as women), and nonbinary persons who have female genitalia. Violence or abuse can take many forms and can occur in a variety of settings, including at home, in the community, at work, and in schools. Violence against women can be sexual, physical, emotional, and psychosocial. Additionally, violence against women occurs in all racial, ethnic, religious, and socioeconomic groups. The nurse is in a unique position to help identify women being abused and provide help to women under their care.