Women’s isolation is related to discriminatory social structures which place women in a position limiting their self-determination and their equal participation in society.  This isolation (geographical, psychological or social) is accentuated by different personal and social situations : poverty and single parenthood, for example, being sources of stigma and isolation for women.

Linguistic and cultural barriers are obstacles which increase the isolation of immigrant women. For physically and intellectually handicapped women, the problems of social integration and the absence or lack of physical and economic autonomy increase their isolation and their vulnerability to violence.  For lesbian women, homophobia (fear, misunderstanding, non-respect of a different choice of sexual orientation) and the fact of hiding or displaying their lesbianism, increase their isolation and their vulnerability to intolerance, and consequently, to violence.

For aboriginal women, the disrespect of their culture and traditions, difficult living conditions (poverty, drug addiction, violence) and the limited or inexistent  resources available in aboriginal communities are only some examples of why they find themselves more isolated (Pelletier, 1997).  For imprisoned women, their criminal past is often an obstacle to their social reintegration.  Marginalized, these women find themselves more isolated and likely to face violence.

As is the case with sex workers, homeless women and women with mental health problems, they and many others are highly marginalized by society.  Consequently, they find themselves in a position of increased isolation with the increased possibility of violence.

Moreover, the isolation of women faced with the threat of sexual assault is a factor which renders them more vulnerable to sexual assault.  Isolated, women have less grasp on the solutions to use to counter sexual assault. By coming together, women can develop collective strategies to react to and fight against this violence and bring about social, political and legal changes.