Physical violence can take place at home, school, in our environment
or community. Being aware about Gender-based physical violence will
enlighten individuals and communities about the dangers and how to prevent
it before it occurs.Before we go on let's take a look at the meaning of
gender-based physical violence.
Gender-based physical violence refers to the brutal act, physical harm or
abuse directed at a person because of his or her sex or gender to cause harm
or injury. It can take various, including :
1.Domestic violence:It can occur between a parent and child, siblings or even roommates. This
form of violence occurs behind closed doors and encompass various abusive
actions including:physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse
e.t.c.
Globally, in 2021,it was estimated by World Health Organisation(WHO) that
about 1 in 3 women have experienced physical or sexual intimate
partner violence in their lifetime.
Mourin Nindo is an example of a woman who experienced domestic violence at
kisimu town, one of the 47 countries in the republic of Africa. At the semi
country within kisimu lives Mourin Nindo,a strong survivor of a painful
thorn in the flesh, who was butchered by her husband because, he was not
ready to be called a dad and because his friends made jest of him for
getting married to a minor(source:Terry's View). Domestic violence is a
dangerous and life threatening issue, it must stop.
2.Sexual violence:This is an act of showing sexual advances or having sexual intercourse with
a person without his or her consent. This includes:rape, sexual
harassment,forced sexual acts amongst many others.
Sexual violence often jeopardize the life and future of its victims. As a
result,some students(boys and girls) might drop out of school due to
psychological trauma, while some girls might drop out of school due to early
teenage pregnancy. Some might get infected by deadly diseases such as:HIV,
AIDs, STIs and STD which may eventually lead to death of lives, and also
some couples might opt for divorce because the victim might not be able to
endure the touch of anyone(man or woman), after being sexually abused.
3.Female genital mutilation(FGM):It is also known as female circumcision it involves the partial or total
removal of the female genitalia or other injury to the female genital
organs for cultural or non-medical reason. This is another deadly violence
directed at a girl child.
FGM is done to girls to ensure virginity before marriage and fidelity
afterwards.it is an harmful traditional practice and it must stop for
sake the sake of women and girls wellbeing.
4.Forced marriage:This is a type of marriage whereby one or both parties are coerced,
intimidated or pressurized to be in the relationship without their consent
or against their will.A marriage can also become a forced marriage if both
enter with full consent and then one or both are later forced to stay in the
marriage against their will.
Apart from children, adults can also be victims of forced marriage. Boys
are victims but women and girls are the
main victims of forced marriage, they might enter into a
marriage in exchange of their family debt payment, and if it is a widow,
she might get inherited by another person if her husband dies.
Girls and women might enter into a marriage due to
traditional pressures, to maintain and enhance their family reputation
or to free their family form the shackles of poverty.
An arranged marriage can also be forced, if a person feels pressurized or
is expected to marry against his or her wishes. A child who is forced
into marriage is likely to go through physical, sexual or emotional
abuse. Forced marriage is a grave violation of human rights and it is
illegal in nearly all counties.
The causes of gender based physical violence (GBPV) is multifaceted and can
be take various forms, including :
1:Gender inequality:This is one of the primary causes of GBPV. It mostly happens in male
dominated countries. Most of these countries are locate in Asia, with
a few countries in europe and west africa (source:world Atlas). In such
countries men may hold more power and privilege in many societies which may
of ten encourage them to be more aggressive and dominant while women are
expected to be submissive.
2.Lack of education:Individual with little or no education, may be unaware of their legal rights
and may not know that GBPV is a violation of those rights.
3.Cultural norms:Some countries culture and traditions allows the violation of girls
and women rights . Addressing cultural norms is essential to fight GBPV, it
does not only affect the economy of a country it also affects the future
generations.
The consequences can be physical, psychological or economical.The
consequences of GBPV includes:
1.Physical injuries:The victim might sustain minor or severe injuries. Examples are: scratch,
cuts, burns, fractures of the mose, jaw, ribs or limbs e.tc. some physical
injuries might lead to death.
2.Psychological injuries:The victim might be psychologically traumatized whenever he or she is
reminded of the traumatic events. Psychological injuries often leads to
Depression, post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD), anxiety disorder and low
self-esteem amongst many other. It can also lead to the
poor-day-to-day functioning of some.
3.Economical injuries:It can negatively affect the financial stability of some of its
victims
Some of it consequences are:job loss, medical expenses,property damage
and
legal costs.
Preventing GBPV is clearly not an easy task,but then it is not impossible. Here are some tips on
how to prevent GBPV.
1.Engage men and boys:patricia shea said" The and of violation against women and girls begin
with men and boys. The involvement of men in this issue will really help to reduce the rate of gender-based
violence issue because some men listen to men especially boys. It is
important for fathers to respect women, be a good role model and instill
good behaviour in his kids especially the boys,so in future his sons will
not end up becoming abusers and his daughters will not end up becoming
victims.
2.Education and awareness:Individuals should be educated and aware of the dangers of GBPV so
they can prevent it before it occurs.
3.Promote Gender Equality:Creating a more equitable society is essential for preventing and addressing
gender-based physical violence.
Everyone should be given the same opportunity be treated fairly
irrespective of age, race gender of social status.
Gender-Based Physical Violence is a violence against human right, age
notwithstanding, it's a serious issue in the society that need's to be
addressed.
