Fear of Violent Crime especially rape holds significant control over women's lives. It limits their freedom and influences their behaviour and choices.

Pervasiveness of Violence on Women is a global human rights issue, with women experiencing gender based violence in the forms of harassment, unwanted sexual attention and sexual compulsion. (Abbott et al., 2005)

Male violence against women, in forms of domestic abuse is often normalised or dismissed as a minor (private) issue. This is rooted in the power dynamics of the patriarchal family system. (Abbott et al., 2005), (Hatty, 2013).

Domestic Violence is often overlooked by society and underestimated by society. Despite its prevalence amongst millions, the legal system/law enforcement underestimate its extent and impact. (Abbott et al., 2005), (Hatty, 2013).

Attitudes of law enforcement end up reinforcing systems of abuse on women victims, as they uphold sexist/apologetic theories of male perpetrators (Hatty, 2013).

Violence, in the form of sexual harassment serves as a powerful mechanism of social control over women. Men's behaviour is designed to control women's actions in private and public through administration of violence (Abbott et al., 2005).

There are economic, social, ideological and legal factors that restrict a victim's ability to escape violence. Women's behaviour is conditioned to remain subordinate, to suffer (Abbott et al., 2005).

Control and Intimidation is reinforced by law enforcement's ideology of a woman's place in society. (Hatty, 2013).

Understanding why men are violent towards women and how the criminal justice system treats women who are victims. Feminist theory argues leniency of male violence in the justice system further normalises it.

Criticises the use of the plea of provocation. The law justifies male violence if it leads to a woman's subordination.

In rape trials, women are often subjected to irrelevant and inappropriate questioning and their credibility undermined. Thus continuing the cycle of low conviction rates for rapists.

Feminist theory argues that violence against women is used as a tool for controlling women. This advocates for systemic changes to our justice system and the denormalisation of male violence.

Verbal abuse is identified as a key factor leading to physical violence among girls.

Gossip, verbal threats, and other forms of verbal conflict often escalate into physical altercations.

Girls who experience violence frequently see retaliation as a justified response.

(Burman et al., 2003)

There is a notable silence regarding more private forms of violence, such as domestic abuse or violence by known males.

This silence may stem from embarrassment, ignorance, or confusion about what constitutes domestic violence.

Girls' fear of violence is often linked to the public sphere, particularly the fear of strange men or hostile groups.

This fear aligns with broader societal concerns about male violence towards women in public spaces. (Burman et al., 2003)

Introduce comprehensive education programs in schools to address consent, sexual violence and the importance of reporting abuse.

This should also include dismantling gender stereotypes and social norms that contribute to victim-blaming and shame.

Launch nationwide campaigns that educate communities about domestic violence - what it looks like, how you can be supported, psychological violence, and how the legal process works.

Review and reform evidentiary requirements in sexual assault cases.

Mandate specialised training for police, prosecutors and judges handling sexual violence cases to ensure sensitivity and a better understanding of the trauma caused.

Create strict frameworks to punish offenders of gendered crimes instead of applying a consensus view that this is a 'one off' type of behaviour.

Create strong frameworks to punish officers of the law that deviate from punishing those who commit crimes.