Violence Against Women: What's Been Done and What's Still Missing?

Violence against women is a global issue that crosses all age groups and social classes. To tackle this problem, a comprehensive review was conducted. This review looked at scientific studies from various databases, including EMBASE, LILACS, Web of Science, and PsycInfo. The goal was to understand what research has been done on violence against women and identify any gaps. The review covered 233 articles published between 1998 and 2023. Most of these studies were in the field of Health Sciences and used qualitative methods. They focused on different types of violence: physical, sexual, and psychological/emotional. The findings were grouped into four main themes: the pattern of recurring violence, the social impact of this violence, support strategies for victims, and the methods used in the studies. This research has highlighted important aspects of understanding and fighting violence against women. However, there's more to the story. While the common forms of violence are well-discussed, other types of violence against women often go unnoticed in scientific research. These lesser-known forms of violence need more attention. One way to address this is through multidisciplinary collaboration. By bringing together different fields of study, researchers can gain a more complete understanding of the issue and develop better strategies to combat it. It's crucial to recognize that violence against women is not just a physical issue. It also has deep psychological and emotional effects. The social impact is significant, affecting not just the victims but also their families and communities. Support strategies for victims are essential, but they need to be more comprehensive and widely available. The methods used in these studies are important too. They show how researchers approach the topic and what kinds of data they collect. This information can help improve future research and make it more effective. By understanding what has been done and what is still missing, researchers can work towards a more complete picture of violence against women. This, in turn, can lead to better prevention and support strategies. The review also highlights the need for more diverse research methods. While qualitative methods have been useful, there's room for quantitative studies as well. Combining different approaches can provide a more nuanced understanding of the issue. This can help in developing more effective interventions and support systems for victims. In conclusion, while significant progress has been made in understanding and combating violence against women, there's still much work to be done. By recognizing the gaps in current research and promoting multidisciplinary collaboration, researchers can take a big step forward. This will help in creating a safer world for all women.