Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is directed at an individual based on his or her biological sex OR gender identity. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, whether occurring in public or private life.
Everyone has the right to feel safe and secure, and where this is not present, people’s ability to function in the family, community and society is likely to be impaired, as self-realisation and development are affected. Gender-based violence is an obstacle to the realisation of every person’s well-being and to their right to fulfilment and self-development.
Gender-based violence affects everyone. Children raised in families where a woman is abused are also victims of violence (sometimes not physically, but always psychologically). The children witness violence and may form the impression that such behaviour is justified or normal; in other words, they assimilate violent norms. They are also brought up in a culture of violence that may negatively affect their self-development and ability to function in society. Gender-based violence affects family members, friends and colleagues.
Gender-based violence has a very heavy economic cost. It requires the involvement of different services - medical, psychological, the police or justice system – and it results in the loss of resources or of employment by victims. It makes people underachieve at work and in education, and it negatively affects their productivity. Many people who suffer from gender-based violence cannot stay at home and need a place to stay, which sometimes results in homelessness.
Various other factors, such as poverty, lack of education and livelihood opportunities, and impunity for crime and abuse, also tend to contribute to and reinforce a culture of violence and discrimination based on gender.
Gender-based violence can be in the form of:
- Child marriage.
- Female genital mutilation.
- Honour killings.
- Trafficking for sex or slavery.
- Intimate partner violence.
- Physical punishment.
- Sexual, emotional or psychological violence.
The consequences for victims include undermined confidence, physical disabilities, stigma and shame. Sexual violence also puts women at increased risk of HIV/AIDS.
South Africa is said to have the highest statistics of gender-based violence in the world, including rape and domestic violence
Gender-based violence is a human rights violation
Freedom from violence is a fundamental human right, and gender-based violence undermines a person's sense of self-worth and self-esteem. It affects not only physical health but also mental health and may lead to selfharm, isolation, depression and suicidal attempts.
Three things we can do about Gender-Based Violence
- Educate ourselves and others about GBV. The first line of prevention is education.
- Use our voice on social media to bring awareness to GBV. Using social media can help us connect to others outside our normal social circles. .
- Sponsor a woman survivor of conflict and war.