Taking an anthropological perspective, this comprehensive book offers a highly readable and concise overview of what constitutes gender violence, its social context, and important directions in intervention and reform.

* Uses stories, personal accounts, case studies and a global perspective to provide a vivid and engaging portrait of forms of violence in gendered relationships

* Extensively covers many forms of gender violence including domestic violence, rape, murder, wartime sexual assault, prison and police violence, female genital cutting, dowry murders, female infanticide, "honor" killings, and sex trafficking

* Examines major approaches to diminishing gender violence such as criminalization, batterer retraining programs, and human rights interventions

* Highlights the role of social movements in defining the problem and mobilizing reforms in the US and internationally