Scars Across Humanity: Understanding and Overcoming Violence Against Women

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Every three seconds, a girl under the age of 18 is married somewhere across the world - usually without her consent and sometimes to a much older man.' Combining rigorous research and compelling personal testimonies, Elaine Storkey investigates the different forms of violence experienced by women across the globe today. From female infanticide and enforced under-age marriage to domestic abuse, prostitution, rape and 'honour killings', violence against women occurs at all stages of life, and in all cultures and societies. How and why has this violence become so prevalent? Storkey examines the answers that are commonly offered, including theories based on evolutionary psychology and the rise of patriarchal power structures. She also considers the role that religion can play - for good or ill - in the struggle against this universal evil. 'Powerful and absorbing, Scars Across Humanity painstakingly documents the gross injustices facing women around the world. Some of the stories made headlines, many passed unnoticed and too many occurred much closer to home than we might realize. Elaine has done us a great service in not only describing what is happening, but also seeking to understand why it happens - and what needs to be done to tackle this worldwide problem. This is not an easy book to read, but it is a necessary book. I hope the stories she shares and facts she brings before us will encourage us all to pray - and to join in the work of bringing healing and an end to gender-based violence.' Jackie Harris, Editor, Woman Alive 'This is a courageous and a terrifying book. We all know that acts of violence against women are a problem, but never have we realized the scale of the problem is so huge. Where others would be cautious to speak out for fear of offending the sensibilities of other cultures, Elaine Storkey is clear and fearless, inspired by true compassion. Scrupulously researched and documented, illustrated with both statistics and personal stories, this is a book that changes perceptions and could play a substantive role in achieving change.' Margaret Hebblethwaite 'Elaine Storkey's book is well researched and deeply moving. She captures most vividly for her readers the way in which patriarchy, religious and cultural traditions, complications in the law, lack of education (not always) and isolation can combine and lead to women being abused, being permanently disfigured or their untimely death. This violation of the human rights of girls and women is indeed a "deep scar" across humanity. The collusion that perpetuates the deepening of this scar will only cease when there is true respect given to girls and women in societies throughout our world. Reading this book can be the first step to breaking that collusion.' The Revd Rose Hudson-Wilkin, Chaplain to the Speaker of the House of Commons Elaine Storkey is a philosopher, sociologist and theologian who has held university posts at King's College, London, Stirling, Oxford, Calvin College, USA, and the Open University. A Fellow of Aberystwyth University, former Director of the London Institute for Contemporary Christianity and high-table member of Newn­ham College, Cambridge, she has also lectured in Africa, Asia and Haiti. Her presidency of Tearfund, the aid and development agency, spanned 17 years. A broadcaster and author, she has been a passionate advocate for justice and gender issues for 30 years, implementing many changes for women through 28 years on the General Synod of the Church of England.