'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 child brides 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 injustice.