Violence against women, including spousal violence, sexual crimes, prostitution, trafficking in persons, sexual harassment and stalking behavior, constitutes a serious violation of the human rights of women. This is an issue to be resolved in the process of formation of a gender-equal society. The international community also attaches great importance to this issue, as is seen in the 1999 inauguration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women by the United Nations, which will be held each year on November 25.