Domestic abuse is a global phenomenon which adversely affects
individuals who experience it and creates social and financial
burdens for the societies in which it occurs. While abuse can be
perpetrated by women against male partners and occurs in same
sex relationships, domestic abuse is overwhelmingly perpetrated
by men against female partners. As a result, the United Nations
has identified domestic abuse as a form of gender based violence
that is predominantly experienced by women and perpetrated by
men (United Nations, 1992). Domestic abuse is both a cause and
consequence of gender inequality. This briefing will provide an
overview of a gendered analysis of domestic abuse, outline the
evidence which supports this and the debate which challenges it.