Like many other complex phenomena, violence can be imagined as an iceberg, having only the tip visible and a wide structure underneath the water which although invisible sustains and often causes the visible aspects.

DIRECT VIOLENCE refers to the type of violence intended to hurt/harm by violent actions

ex. beating, rape, threat,

STRUCTURAL VIOLENCE refers to the type of violence which is unintended but customary and which has anyone involved

ex. poverty, being inferior in rank, distance, overcentralization etc.

CULTURAL VIOLENCE is the type of violence deeply engraved in our cultural norms and practices. It legitimizes the others as being good/right

ex. sayings such as "an eye for an eye", history books where women are not recongnized, "boys will be boys" etc...