What is Gender based violence? Include referencing
Gender-based violence refers to any form of violence that is primarily inflicted on individuals due to their gender, more specifically on women and girls. It is a form of discrimination and human rights violation that is deeply rooted in gender inequality and harmful gender norms.
Gender-based violence includes various forms such as sexual violence, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, , female genital mutilation, honor killings, forced marriage, sexual harassment, and other forms of violence that primarily target women and girls.
The term "gender-based violence" emerged in the late 20th century to highlight the fact that violence is not only a result of individual interaction but also deeply influenced by social, cultural, and structural factors related to gender. It recognizes that violence is not random but systematically directed towards individuals based on their gender identity and social roles.
The United Nations defines gender-based violence as "any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life."
Gender-based violence has serious physical, psychological, and social consequences for the survivors, perpetuating cycles of violence and contributing to overall gender inequality. It is a global issue affecting millions of women and girls worldwide, cutting across national, cultural, and economic boundaries.
References:
1. United Nations. (1993). Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/48/a48r104.htm
2. United Nations. (2006). In-depth study on all forms of violence against women: Report of the Secretary-General. Retrieved from https://www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/vaw/v-violenceagainstwomenstudydoc.pdf
3. Heise, L. L. (1998). Violence against women: An integrated, ecological framework. Violence against women, 4(3), 262-290.
Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to any form of violence or harmful behavior that is perpetrated against individuals based on their gender. It is rooted in unequal power relations between men and women, and it disproportionately affects women and girls. GBV can occur in various settings, including intimate partner relationships, within families, in the workplace, in public spaces, and during armed conflicts.
Examples of gender-based violence include:
1. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV): This includes physical, sexual, or psychological harm inflicted by a current or former partner. It may involve acts such as physical assault, sexual coercion, emotional abuse, or control.
2. Sexual Violence: This refers to any form of non-consensual sexual act, including , sexual assault, sexual harassment, or forced marriage. It can occur within intimate relationships, at the hands of acquaintances, or as a weapon of war.
3. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM): Also known as female circumcision, it involves the partial or total removal of external female genitalia for non-medical reasons. It is considered a violation of human rights and can cause lifelong physical and psychological harm.
4. Honor Killings: These are acts of violence, usually perpetrated against women, in the name of protecting a family's honor. Such killings often occur when a woman is perceived to have brought shame or dishonor to her family through actions such as refusing an arranged marriage, seeking divorce, or engaging in premarital sex.
5. Human Trafficking: This involves the recruitment, transportation, and exploitation of individuals, often women and girls, for forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse.
6. Online Harassment: With the rise of the internet and social media, gender-based violence has expanded into the digital realm. Online harassment, including cyberstalking, revenge , and defamation, can have severe emotional and psychological consequences.
It is important to note that gender-based violence is a violation of human rights and a significant social issue. Numerous organizations, such as the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide support and services to survivors, and advocate for policies to prevent and eradicate gender-based violence.
References:
- United Nations, "What is Gender-Based Violence?" Available at: https://www.un.org/en/sexualviolence-un/about
- World Health Organization, "Violence against women: Key facts." Available at: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women
- Futures Without Violence, "Gender-Based Violence." Available at: https://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/health/gender-based-violence/