The social, political, and economic structures that systematically disadvantage certain groups of people, often leading to harm and suffering. These structures can be institutionalized and embedded in societal systems, resulting in unequal access to resources, opportunities, and basic human needs.

Examples of structural violence include unequal access to education, healthcare disparities, systemic racism, economic inequality, and discriminatory laws or policies that perpetuate social injustices over time.

Examples of interpersonal violence include physical assault, domestic violence, bullying, sexual harassment, and any form of harm inflicted by one person upon another within personal relationships.

Structural violence and interpersonal violence are distinct concepts that refer to different forms of harm and injustice within society. While both structural and interpersonal violence involve harm and injustice, they operate at different levels and have distinct mechanisms. Structural violence is rooted in societal systems and institutions, leading to widespread and long-lasting disparities, while interpersonal violence occurs at the individual or small-group level, manifesting in direct harm between people. Here's a breakdown of the key differences between structural and interpersonal violence:

More localized and occurs between individuals or small groups. It may be influenced by personal relationships, conflicts, or power dynamics within specific social or familial contexts.

The impact of structural violence is widespread and affects entire communities or populations. It is often deeply rooted in historical and systemic inequalities, contributing to long-term disparities in areas such as education, healthcare, employment, and legal rights.