The Dark and Daunting Scenario of Gender Based Violence
-Mazen, Omar and Wajiha
The History of GBV
There has been evidence of sexual and gender-based violence for many centuries in every civilization. Even though a Ptolemaic maxim still holds true today, the subject of why violence against women is practically unabated still has to be answered. Ancient communities were also rife with sexual abuse of women, children and teenagers, with some adults acting out of lust or to fulfill desires. In Greek and Roman culture, women had no control over their bodies or sexual integrity and were treated as property. Rape during times of peace was regarded as a property crime that solely affected the owners—husbands, sons, or brothers. Instead of being an offense against a specific lady or girl, sexual violence was viewed as a crime against the community and public morality. Sexual assault, especially rape, was seen as a common side effect of war and as "a socially acceptable behavior well within the rules of warfare" during armed conflict. The conquest of women as concubines, new spouses, legal booty, slaves, or trophies, as well as attempts at sexual abuse, occasionally led to attacks on cities in Ancient Greece. Due to the fact that sexual violence against women was prevalent both in times of war and peace, there were no warning signs as to the nature, scope, or severity of such abuse. With Alberico Gentili, conversations about reducing women's suffering and outlawing rape in both peace and wartime began. The patriarchal perspective of women prevailed both in times of peace and war; therefore, this viewpoint was not accepted for a very long period. Over the years, laws and practices surrounding warfare gradually evolved to reflect a greater understanding of sexual violence and the need to safeguard potential victims. However, in the present, sexual violence and gender based violence don’t only target women but children, teenagers and men too.
Defining the Spectrum of GBV
In an era marked by unprecedented advancements in gender equality and heightened social awareness, the haunting spectre of gender-based violence (GBV) continues to cast its shadow. While strides have been made towards empowering women and dismantling gender biases, the persistence of GBV underscores a disconcerting reality. This form of violence, which targets individuals based on their gender, disproportionately affects women and girls, perpetuating a cycle of pain and trauma that demands urgent attention.
GBV encompasses a wide spectrum of harmful acts, ranging from the insidious subtleties of sexual harassment to the brutalities of domestic violence, honor killings, human trafficking, female genital mutilation, and child marriage. These forms of violence are interconnected, each thread woven into a fabric of suffering that leaves indelible marks on survivors' physical and mental well-being. The diversity of these acts reflects the multi-dimensional nature of the issue, highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions.
A Global Phenomenon Unbounded by Borders
From the sprawling metropolises to the remotest corners of the world, gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that knows no boundaries. It transcends cultural, economic, and social contexts, affecting women and girls of all ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic backgrounds, and sexual orientations. Its pervasive nature necessitates a unified global response, as communities across continents grapple with the scars it leaves behind.
Unraveling the Complex Tapestry of Causality
The roots of gender-based violence are deeply intertwined with complex sociocultural factors. Gender inequalities that have been ingrained for generations, harmful traditional norms, unequal power dynamics, and the normalization of violence within societies contribute to this harrowing issue. The struggle to untangle this complex tapestry of causality demands a concerted effort to challenge norms, shift power dynamics, and reconfigure societal attitudes.
Technological Dimensions and the Modern Landscape
In the digital age, the contours of gender-based violence have expanded to encompass new dimensions. The rise of technology has given birth to online harassment, cyberbullying, and the dissemination of non-consensual intimate images, disproportionately targeting women and girls. The virtual realm, once thought to be a sanctuary for free expression, has become a breeding ground for gender-based violence, necessitating a reevaluation of our digital interactions and their real-world implications.
Turning Awareness into Action: Legislation and Movements
Governments across the globe have taken strides to combat gender-based violence by enacting stringent legal measures. These encompass laws addressing domestic violence, sexual harassment, and various forms of GBV. Simultaneously, awareness campaigns, educational initiatives, and community-based programs are working to dispel the shadows of ignorance and to challenge societal norms that perpetuate violence.
Facing the Challenges and Bridging Gaps
Despite progress, challenges persist. Underreporting due to fear, stigma, and inadequate legal frameworks poses obstacles to justice. Limited access to essential services such as shelters, counselling, and legal aid compounds the vulnerability of survivors. Moreover, discrimination against marginalized groups, including LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities, exacerbates their exposure to gender-based violence.
Conflict Zones and the Amplification of Violence
In conflict and humanitarian settings, the flames of gender-based violence often burn fiercer. Displacement, insecurity, and fractured social structures create a breeding ground for violence against women and girls. Human trafficking and sexual exploitation flourish in these settings, magnifying the urgency of addressing gender-based violence in fragile environments.
Intersections of Vulnerability
Gender-based violence intersects with other forms of discrimination, weaving a complex web of vulnerability. Race, ethnicity, class, and sexuality intersect to compound the challenges faced by marginalized individuals, highlighting the need for an intersectional approach to addressing these issues.
Empowerment through Collective Action
The 21st century has borne witness to the emergence of powerful social movements, most notably the #MeToo movement. These movements serve as platforms for survivors to share their experiences, challenge perpetrators, and demand systemic change. Empowering women and girls, engaging men and boys as allies, and transforming societal norms form the cornerstone of collective action against gender-based violence.
Charting a Path Forward: Prevention and Response
The battle against gender-based violence necessitates a multi-pronged approach. Legal reforms, community engagement, education, and awareness campaigns form the arsenal for preventing and responding to GBV. Empowerment of women and girls, while engaging men and boys as advocates, will pave the way for societal transformation.
A Call to Arms: A World Free from Violence
As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, the fight against gender-based violence remains a paramount challenge. Governments, civil society organizations, grassroots movements, and individuals must unite to craft a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach. Only through unwavering commitment and collective efforts can we envision and ultimately realize a world where all individuals live free from the shackles of violence and discrimination based on their gender.
There is no place in any society for acts of sexual harassment and gender-based violence. These pervasive issues have afflicted people throughout history. While finding ways to eliminate these problems can be daunting, there are numerous steps we can take to prevent their occurrence and support survivors.
One vital step is to raise awareness among ourselves and others. As Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai remarked, "We must continue to break the silence around gender-based violence and work together to create a safer world for all."
Organizations like The National Sexual Violence Resource Center, The National Domestic Violence Hotline, and UN Women provide information and resources for survivors. The pursuit of equity cannot be postponed; it must be actively supported. Therefore, it's crucial for authorities to collaboratively promote and provide comprehensive sexual assault training nationwide. This training should engage, educate, and equip adult learners to not only prevent such events but also support survivors of sexual assault.
Finally, it's important to support survivors. This involves offering emotional support, helping them access necessary resources like medical care, and advocating for their rights. By standing beside survivors, we contribute to their healing from the trauma of sexual assault and gender-based violence.
In conclusion, sexual assault and gender-based violence are grave issues that demand a resolute approach for prevention and resolution. Through self-education, speaking out, and supporting survivors, we can collectively work towards a world where these heinous crimes no longer find a place.
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