is the manifestation of a historical disparity in the balance of power between men and women which has led to the domination of men over women, to discrimination against them and has prevented real progress in the status of women. Violence against women means all acts of violence based on the female sex which cause or are likely to cause physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering, including threats of such acts, arbitrary restraint or deprivation of liberty, whether they occur in private or public life.
UN definition 1993