Violence against women is the consequence of the social, economic and political oppression of women within the institutions of society. Institutional responses can include:

• Gender bias in the legal system

• Lack of accessible resources

• Disbelief of abuse by professionals

• Treatment of abuse as a medical illness

• Racial bias among services

• Inadequate educational and economic opportunities for women

• Failure of the justice system to issue appropriate sentences which hold the perpetrator accountable

(Source: CAS/VAW Joint Training Participant Manual, 2000)