Which of the following is NOT an example of structural violence?

Structural violence refers to systematic ways in which social structures harm or otherwise disadvantage individuals. It typically manifests through social, political, and economic systems and is characterized by the indirect violence that arises from inequalities and injustices embedded within societal institutions.

In this context, personal assault is an act of direct violence, where one individual inflicts harm on another. This differs fundamentally from structural violence, which is not about personal acts of aggression but rather the systemic forces that shape the conditions of life, such as poverty, environmental destruction, and repression.

Poverty, for instance, perpetuates cycles of disadvantage and is often a consequence of unequal resource distribution. Environmental destruction can lead to significant public health issues and impact communities disproportionately, especially marginalized populations. Repression involves the control and constraint of groups and individuals by those in power, often limiting access to resources or freedom, which can lead to a form of violence that is structural in nature.

Thus, personal assault stands apart as an expression of direct violence, making it the correct answer to the question regarding what does not exemplify structural violence.