It discusses the various ways in which such violence manifests itself in the lives of women and girls and how it amounts to discrimination, denying women the right to equality in all spheres of life, including marriage; property ownership and inheritance; land rights; and education and employment. Relevant human rights standards (international, regional and sub-regional) are discussed with reference to case law, and how the judiciary can apply human rights standards to address VAW. It discusses the cost implications of violence for the judiciary and law enforcement agencies that respond to VAW.