Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of that person’s gender or violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately. Violence has a long lasting effect on survivors and their families. It affects not only physical health but also mental health and may lead to self harm, isolation, depression and suicidal attempts.
There are also many factors that increase the risk of GBV, with women and girls living through crises experiencing an increase in both the frequency and severity of GBV. This is because the same conditions that contribute to conflict and forced displacement also accelerate GBV.Violence is a complex issue and categorizing different types of violence can never be exact.
Some of the many forms of violence are listed below:
- Psychological violence
- Stalking
- Physical violence
- Forced marriages
- Sexual violence, including rape
- Female genital mutilation
- Forced abortion
- Sexual harassment
- Aiding or abetting and attempt
- Unacceptable justifications for crimes, including crimes committed in the name of so-called honor
Using these as a basis, we shall distinguish five inter-related types of violence:
physical violence
verbal violence (including hate speech)
psychological violence
sexual violence
socio-economic violence.
There also two other categories of violence: domestic violence and (sexual) harassment, both of which may be a combination of all five types of violence mentioned above. In reality, some or many forms of violence can be present at the same time, particularly in abusive relationships. All forms can occur both in the private sphere (in families and intimate relationships) and in the public sphere, committed by (unknown) individuals in public space, or by organizations, institutions and states.
If you or someone around you is experiencing gender-based violence, you can contact the following organizations and inform them.
- One Stop Crisis Center (OSCC): 1669
- Social Assistance Center: 1300
- Suwannimit Foundation (SNF): 095-06436226
