Written by: Anne Symon
What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?
Gender-Based Violence is a general term used to capture any type of violence that is rooted in exploiting unequal power relationships between genders. This can include gender norms and role expectations specific to society as well as situational power imbalances and inequities. Gender-Based Violence can impact anyone, and can include intimate partner and family violence, elder abuse, sexual violence, stalking and human trafficking.
Intimate Partner Violence is one of the most prominent forms of Gender-Based Violence and is also one of the most difficult types to recognize because not all forms of Gender-Based Violence manifest as physical abuse. Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is any abuse or aggression in a romantic relationship. Different types of GBV/IPV include:
- Physical abuse– hitting, slapping, punching, kicking, burning, strangulation, use of weapons, etc.
- Mental/ Emotional abuse– name-calling, extreme jealousy, intimidation, shaming, isolation, stalking, etc.
- Financial abuse– preventing someone from going to work, harassment in the workplace, controlling financial assets etc.
- Sexual abuse– when sexual behavior is performed without a partner’s consent. Sexual abuse also includes sabotaging birth control
- Religious Abuse– the attempt to exert power and control over someone’s beliefs, and/or misuse of religion to cause harm
- Political abuse– destroying immigration papers, threatening to have a partner deported, etc.
Gender-Based Violence Fund:
Advocacy and outreach are essential to ending Gender-Based Violence, to help those individuals who are most at risk of this type of violence, to recognize the signs that they are experiencing GBV, and can get help. By donating to our Gender-Based Violence Fund you will be actively taking a role to end Gender-Based Violence and protect those most at risk.