Gender-based violence occurs at all times in all societies. It negatively affects the lives of individuals and the development of families, communities and entire nations. The economic and social costs of gender-based violence are huge. Gender-based violence leads to serious physical and psychological harm. Many people, the majority of whom are women and children are denied the right to freedom, liberty and development. Others are deprived of the right to life through death. The distinction between assault, battery, grievous bodily harm and homicides occurring in public places, and torture taking place in families due to domestic violence is blurred. For how long should nation states allow this situation to continue unchecked?

Gender-based violence (GBV) is widely acknowledged as constituting a fundamental human rights violation, as well as a constraint to development It continues to be endemic in different forms, in Commonwealth countries and other parts of the world.

The Do It Yourself Manual is based on the Commonwealth Secretariat model framework for an integrated approach to combat violence against women.