LOW-INTENSITY WARFARE AGAINST WOMEN - DOM ESTIC VIOLENCE AS TORTURE, REFLECTIONS BASED ON THE CASE OF SALVADOR

Using the Salvadorian example in particular, this article deals with t he similarities between domestic violence and so-called ''political'' torture. With respect to the methods used and the pattern of action, w e find strikingly similar features in the two phenomena. By studying t he psyche-dynamic effects on the individuals involved other disturbing comparisons can be made. Finally, in observing the collective social consequences of the two phenomena, we find that in both cases demorali zation and passivity are induced in the social groups involved. The au thor examines the parallels that can be drawn between violence against women in general and low-intensity warfare techniques as a form of po litical and social violence. It becomes clear that violence against wo men assumes the aspect of veritable low-intensity warfare against wome n.