Ten years after Beijing this has profoundly changed. There are declarations and conventions against violence, documents, books and action-days. The Internet has over ten thousand sites relating to "women and violence". It is discussed publicly and many states have laws designed to protect women. There are programmes to prevent violence and refuges for battered women seeking help. Domestic violence has become a public issue and more women dare to speak out and make their suffering public.
In spite of the declarations, laws, teaching aids, psychologists, shelters and posters, domestic violence has not stopped or even decreased significantly. The violence of war situations continue, pornography is on the increase with easier access and visibility through modern communications. Trafficking and forced prostitution is widespread; abortion wreaks its violence on women and unborn children. Violence occurs in the workplace. A violent sub-culture still pervades our world.
