Portside

Relying on state violence to curb domestic violence only ends up harming the most marginalized women.

"It’s a hard struggle when a member of your family passes away. But this Day of Awareness can mean that her memory will live on forever.”

Violence against women — including rape, murder and sexual harassment — remains stubbornly high in countries rich and poor, at war and at peace. One recent study found that domestic violence against women and children alone costs the global economy $4 trillion.

Initially facing 20 years in prison under Florida's "10-20-life" rule, Marissa Alexander's case focused national attention on the treatment of domestic abuse survivors by the justice system, particularly women of color, as well as Florida's mandatory minimum sentencing laws.

Abdullah Ibrahim: Cape Town Flowers. James Foley on War. Neil deGrasse Tyson on Finding Krypton. Keith Olbermann on the Ray Rice Situation. Demand A Plan to End Gun Violence.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

The first global survey of domestic violence reveals the staggering extent of the problem.