DEVELOPMENT is about protection of human rights of the concerned populations. It pre-supposes active participation of the populace in the decisionmaking processes while social justice remains one of the most important and cherished goals of development.

THE United Nations Commission on the Status of Women defines violence against women to include "any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women..." [Economic and Social Council 1992].

Most of us acquire knowledge regarding sex and sexuality, through various formal and informal avenues. Much of the information acquired through infornal sources is unlikely to be accurate or correct. Sex being a topic, which is not openly discussed is shrouded in secrecy.

This report examines the linkages between wife-beating and one health-related consequence for women, their experience of fetal and infant mortality.