From Roses Life Women Center
Gender Based Violence also known as GBV, is one of the most persistent Human Rights Issues affecting women all across the globe. GBV goes across all different groups of people such as; age, geography, culture, race, religion, and socioeconomic status. At Roses Life Women Center, we believe that awareness and knowledge is a step that leads to change because we are unable to fight something we do not understand.
What Is Gender Based Violence (GBV)?
Gender Based Violence refers to harmful actions towards a person due to their gender, with girls and women being disproportionately affected. Gender Based Violence includes;
- Sexual Assault and or harassment.
- Human trafficking and or exploitation.
- Domestic and or intimate partner violence.
- Financial control or deprivation.
- Psychological and or emotional abuse.
- Forced marriage or coercive control.
Acts such as these all share common root causes: Gender Inequality and the Misuse of Power.
When harmful norms go unchallenged, violence becomes normalized.
The Silent Crisis Behind The Statistics
There are so many women who have suffered and are suffering from abuse that never come forward. Many fear they won’t be believed when they share about abuse, or they worry about their children, social judgment or financial survival. To some, reporting abuse can feel more dangerous than enduring the abuse.
Behind many of these statistics is women. A woman with strengths, dreams, hope and a story. Understanding this is what helps drive our Mission here at Roses Life Women Center.
The Effects on Families and Communities
GBV is not only a private matter, it affects so much more;
- Families dealing with trauma.
- Children who have witnessed the abuse.
- Generations that are repeating learned patterns.
- Communities facing cycles of instability and poverty.
Ending Gender Based Violence needs everyone. We all need to help. Our families, leaders, neighbours and communities need to rise together and help.
Where Do We Go?
Awareness, education, and many open conversations are essential. When we break the silence, we are helping to break these harmful cycles. In Part 2 of this blog, we will go over how Roses Life Women Center is supporting survivors and How you can help create a violence free future.
