This work deals with gender-based violence by men against women, exploring societal and cultural backgrounds as well as social science explanatory approaches. The aim of the study is to initially illuminate the field theoretically, but primarily empirically, in order to highlight the discrepancy between the prevalence of actual violent acts by men against women and the experiences of experts, as well as the refusal of decision-makers (in this case, mayors) to recognize the problem as one that falls within their area of responsibility and action.