GENEVA (Reuters) - Woman-battering, the most common form of violence against women, is still not considered a crime in some countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America, an anti-torture group said in a report. Even in countries where slapping, punching, kicking and beating women is considered a crime, police often view complaints as a private matter, according to the World Organisation against Torture. "Battering at home constitutes by far the most common form of violence against women and is a significant cause of injury for women," said the report, entitled "Violence against Women". "Psychological violence includes repeated verbal abuse, harassment, confinement and deprivation of physical, financial and personal resources," it added. In Nigeria, it is extremely difficult for a women to file a criminal complaint against her husband for abuse as the penal code allows him to reasonably chastise his wife when he deems she has erred, according to the 294-page report. In Bangladesh, more than 200 girls and young women were mutilated in acid attacks last year, leaving them scarred and blinded, it added. "Reported reasons for the acid-throwing attacks include the refusal of an offer of marriage, dowry disputes, domestic fights and arguments over property." While several Latin American countries have enacted laws against domestic violence, 80 percent of murders of women and 70 percent of rapes in Brazil are reportedly committed by their husbands, relatives or friends, it added. The study by the Geneva-based group was based on a survey carried out in 78 countries by its network of 240 non-governmental organisations. They analysed alleged violations as well as legislation in force to protect females.