The call to an end to violence against women is growing ever louder. Increasingly, women's rights are seen as a cornerstone in the promotion of human rights and the realisation of social justice. Clearly, women cannot live free, safe and dignified lives when violence, or the threat of violence pervades their public and private experiences. Without the basic right to live free from fear, all other gains are compromised.

In communities throught the world, women suffer physical, emotional, sexual and economic violence at the hands of their intimate partners. Domestic violence is often protected by family secrecy, cultural norms, fear, shame or the community's reluctance to get involved in what is seen as a domestic affair. It severely impacts women's physical and mental health, relationships between women and men, the health and development of children, families and communities.

Violence against women is now recognised as a priority issue not only in the United Nations (UN) but also in many international agencies and local non-governmental organisations (NGOs) around the world. The challenge for activists now is to translate these visions of women's rights into practical projects and activities that promote meaningful change in the lives of women, men, families and communities.

Community-based non-government organisations are at the forefront of many of these efforts. These groups are embracing the idea of universal human rights and working with communities to create environments where all members can live free, safe and dignified lives.