Violence against women is a worldwide public health and human rights concern with serious consequences for women's health and well-being. The following article summarizes existing knowledge on the prevalence and health outcomes of different forms of violence against women: intimate partner violence, intimate partner violence during pregnancy, sexual violence in conflict setting and in displacement, trafficking of women, child sexual abuse and first forced sex and female genital mutilation. The article ends with an outline of responses to violence against women, highlighting the difference health professional can make for women who experience violence in its multiple forms.