The World Health Organization defines violence as: “The intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, against another person , or against a group or community, which either results in or has a high probability of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, poor development or deprivation.” The WHO has declared violence against women both a public health problem and a human rights violation. Violence against women is of many types and has many faces. Also known as gender-based violence, public health experts around the world have called it a “hidden epidemic.” (ref) Violence against women is an age-old practice, but it was only in the last decade of the 20th century that it was recognized as a serious human rights problem. Violence is generally classified into two categories: Social violence that occurs in public places. and usually between strangers and domestic violence that occurs in households and usually between relatives. It is violence in private life which includes domestic violence against women. This is a global problem that transcends all geographic, social, cultural and ethnic boundaries. Although it is the most shameful of all human rights violations, it is nevertheless acceptable in communities around the world, considered part of their social and cultural norms. This article aims to discuss domestic violence against women living in South Asia, with a particular focus on Pakistan. It attempts to discuss the types of domestic violence against women in Pakistan, the factors underlying this violence, with an analysis of the health and human rights issues involved. BACKGROUND South Asia has an impressive record of women reaching the highest political positions. India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Pakistan are all in the middle of the document......in the theory and practice of rights (Yamin A 2008). Yamin (2008) argues that states must set priorities and allocate resources accordingly. Health priorities should be based on evidence of what is needed and what works best. Social, cultural, and political factors that influence victim behaviors in seeking health care and reporting domestic violence should be considered. Regarding the health sector, these factors may be the lack of availability of health facilities. Economic constraints, physical constraints, lack of information and cultural barriers or poor quality of health care can deter women from seeking help. This can also apply to other services such as advice and legal aid. Works Cited Yamin, A. 2008. Beyond compassion: the central role of accountability in applying a human rights framework to health. Health and human rights, flight..10 (2); 1-20