Comprehension Passage
Violence against women manifests in multiple forms, reflecting deeply rooted gender inequalities in society. Intimate partner violence, a prevalent form of domestic violence, can include physical aggression, sexual coercion, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviors by a current or former partner. A notable characteristic of this form of violence is its persistence within private, domestic spheres. This type of violence not only includes physical acts such as slapping or choking but also extends to sexual violence, such as spousal rape, and psychological abuses, like intimidation and forced isolation. Economic violence, where financial control is exerted to maintain dependence, is also a significant aspect of intimate partner violence. Beyond domestic settings, sexual violence is a broader category that encompasses any unwanted sexual behavior, ranging from verbal harassment to rape. Rape, in particular, involves non-consensual penetration, often accompanied by physical force or intimidation, and can occur within any relationship, including marriage.
Another grave manifestation of violence against women is femicide, the intentional killing of women and girls due to their gender. Such killings are driven by discriminatory attitudes, stereotyped gender roles, and power imbalances between men and women. Femicide can occur within various contexts, including domestic violence, trafficking, forced labor, or honor killings, where a woman is murdered for purportedly bringing shame to her family. Furthermore, human trafficking exacerbates sexual and physical exploitation, primarily targeting women and girls for profit. Another brutal practice is female genital mutilation (FGM), which involves altering or injuring female genital organs for non-medical reasons, often leading to severe health consequences. Child marriage is another form of violence where girls are married off before the legal age, leading to early pregnancies, higher maternal mortality rates, and educational discontinuation. These multifaceted forms of violence underscore the urgent need for comprehensive measures to address and eradicate violence against women globally.
Which of the following may lead to a woman being murdered for supposedly bringing shame to her family?
A) Honor killings
B) Spousal rape
C) Sexual harassment
D) Femicide
1
A, B
2
A, C
3
A, D
4
C, D