Introduction

Violence is a universal phenomenon that is rooted in the human’s desire to dominate and exert power on the other for various reasons. Gender-based violence, the most common form of violence the world over, is experienced across various human spectra. The justification and condemnation of gender-based violence in the name of religion highlight this complex phenomenon. The intersection of gender, immigration, and religious values in the exertion of power on the “other” through violence is central to the theme of this book. The intersection of social values with gender-based violence is a legitimate and long-standing area of academic inquiry and dialogue to which this book makes a contribution. It is the aim of the book to (1) explore the prevalence of gender-based violence in various communities and highlight how this behavior intersects with religion, immigration, and human rights; (2) describe the role of religion and religious leaders as agents of social construction with regard to promoting or inhibiting gender-based violence; and (3) review existing policy on gender-based violence while highlighting strengths and weaknesses towards effective address of this significant problem in our societies. The interdisciplinary approach, drawn from experts in various fields, presents a unique approach necessary to arguing for the importance of intersectionality in addressing social issues.