Structural violence built into social and political structures may be called repression: not the open and intentional form of repression that characterises dictatorship and occupation (which is direct violence), but hidden repression. It becomes manifest as social inequality, class and caste stratification, gender discrimination, hierarchy, patriarchy, militarization, skewed research priorities, and unequal access to education,health services, jobs and positions of power. Structural violence leads to poverty and powerlessness, and keeps people living in misery.
Communicable diseases, maternal and perinatal conditions and nutritional deficiency cause the deaths of at least 18 million people a year (WHO 2004). Most of these deaths could easily be avoided through health promotion and health system improvements, as well as through the provision of antibiotics and food. We live in a world of unparalleled wealth, yet the number one killer is still poverty. People are dying unnecessarily due to the unequal distribution of knowledge and resources.