The Fear That Stalks: Gender-Based Violence in Public Spaces

What are the underlying causes of consequences of gender-based violence in public spaces? What are its costs in terms of economic losses to society? Who defines what comprises the ‘public space’ and why are those spaces so often barred not only to women, but also to the poor, to transgender people, and to others outside the straitjacket of ‘normalcy’?

In this book, scholars from different disciplines and activists from the women’s movement, come together to explore the causes, nature and consequences of gender-based violence. These powerful and articulate essays draw attention to the commonality between diverse forms of violence such as sexual harassment, sexual assault, moral policing, ‘honour’ killing, acid-throwing, witch-hunting, parading naked, tonsuring, rape and homicide. The writers also offer suggestions for policy changes that can help to address this pervasive problem and make our societies safe for both women and men.