Today, gender based violence (GBV) is becoming increasingly recognized as one of the most vivid forms of the human rights violations which occurs almost in every society worldwide. Here, you may find information on some frequently asked questions about GBV:
What is GBV?: Although there is no universally adopted definition for GBV, it can be defined as broadly as any act of physical, sexual, psychological and economic violence perpetuated on the ground of sex. GBV involves both men and women, in which the female is usually the victim.
What is violence against women (VAW)?: In the Beijing Platform of Action, violence against women is defined as any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.
What can be the forms of GBV?: Violence against women can take many forms ranging between emotional abuse to honour killings. It is described in the Beijing Platform of Action as follows:
- Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring in the family, including battering, sexual abuse of female children in the household, dowry-related violence, marital rape, female genital mutilation and other traditional practices harmful to women, non- spousal violence and violence related to exploitation;
- Physical, sexual and psychological violence occurring within the general community, including rape, sexual abuse, sexual harassment and intimidation at work, in educational institutions and elsewhere, trafficking in women and forced prostitution
- Physical, sexual and psychological violence perpetrated or condoned by the State, wherever it occurs.
Other acts of violence against women include violation of the human rights of women in situations of armed conflict, in particular murder, systematic rape, sexual slavery and forced pregnancy. Acts of violence against women also include forced sterilization and forced abortion, coercive/forced use of contraceptives, female infanticide and prenatal sex selection.
Apart from violence against women, domestic violence can take other forms as well including child abuse and neglect, violence against intimate partner, violence against parents and grandparents.
What are the causes of GBV?: UNFPA recognizes that violence against women is inextricably linked to gender-based inequalities. A lack of access to education and opportunity, and low social status in communities are linked to violence against women.
What are the consequences of GBV?: GBV can have physical, mental, social and economic consequences both on the individuals and on the society. GBV might impede even the most vigorous efforts targeting sustainable development and become an obstacle to building healthy and prosperous societies with the democratic values based on the respect towards and protection of human rights, including women’s rights. Injuries, death, sexual and reproductive health problems (STIs, HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, induced abortions, miscarriage, low birth weight and fatal death), risky behaviours (multiple partners, unprotected sex, substance use), mental health problems (depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, sleep difficulties), physical health problems (headaches, back pain, abdominal pain, limited mobility, etc) are some of the health consequences of GBV. Isolation, inability to work, loss of income, limited ability to care for themselves and children are some the social and economic costs of GBV.
