"This book studies the phenomenon of violence which, while being meted out to individual women, is systemically rooted in the social pattern of gender relations. Addressing gender violence requires challenging the means by which gender roles and power relations are defined and articulated in society. The book focuses on ways through which these relations can be altered in favour of women." "This book will interest students and scholars in the fields of women's/gender studies and sociology, as well as activists, NGOs, women's groups and human rights organisations."--BOOK JACKET.