Gender Based Violence is a reality and escalates all the time. Society and Victims need to understand Gender Based Violence and break this destructive cycle of abuse. No human being deserves to be a victim of any form of abuse and it is everyone’s responsibility to stand up and STOP Gender Based Violence.
Gender Based Violence is Violence towards a person based on their gender, as well as the unequal power relationships between the genders. Both men and women are victims of Gender Based Violence, but according to statistics in South Africa, women and children are the biggest percentage of victims
Domestic Violence (the most common form of GBV among partners. This involves physical violence, threats of violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment)
Physical Violence (hitting, slapping, kicking, punching, pushing. Weapons such as knives/sharp instruments are often used during physical violence)
Emotional Violence (verbal abuse, name calling and belittling of the other)
Isolation (perpetrator isolates victim from family, friends, community to stay in control)
Economic Violence (control of a partner’s assets, access to money and other economic resources, perpetrator reluctant to allow victim to work or manage/abuse victim’s income receive from work)
Sexual Violence (rape, sexual harassment, sexual exploitation, trafficking for sexual purposes, demanding partner to wear provocative clothing, insisting the partner act out fantasies, denial of the partner’s sexuality)
Femicide (murder of female partner by and intimate male partner)
Contact 0800 428 428 (24 hour.7 days a week Call Centre. Social Workers who are responsible for call taking and referrals will assist you
The impact of Gender Based Violence is devastating for the victim and can have a long-term impact on psychological functioning, mental health and future relationships. Children may accept violence as an alternative for conflict resolution and communication. The impact of Gender Based Violence extends beyond the victim to the society as a whole.