Addressing the root causes of GBV

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 41 views

Understanding the Complexities of Women's Victimization in Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue that affects individuals of all genders, but women are disproportionately affected. Studies on women's victimization in GBV have shed light on the complexities of this issue, revealing patterns and dynamics that are often overlooked. In this article, we will explore the findings of these studies and examine the implications for our understanding of GBV.

Research has consistently shown that women's victimization in GBV is often linked to their gender roles and expectations. Women are socialized to be nurturing, submissive, and passive, which can make them more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Studies have found that women who conform to traditional gender roles are more likely to experience GBV, including intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking (Bograd, 1999; Johnson, 1995).

For example, a study on intimate partner violence found that women who were more submissive and less assertive were more likely to experience abuse from their partners (Bograd, 1999). Similarly, a study on human trafficking found that women who were more vulnerable to exploitation due to their economic and social circumstances were more likely to be trafficked (Polaris Project, 2020).

Women's victimization in GBV is not isolated to their gender roles alone. The intersectionality of women's experiences, including their race, class, and sexuality, also plays a significant role in their vulnerability to GBV. Studies have found that women from marginalized communities are more likely to experience GBV due to the compounding effects of racism, classism, and homophobia (Crenshaw, 1989; Collins, 2000).

For example, a study on intimate partner violence found that women of color were more likely to experience abuse from their partners due to the intersection of racism and sexism (Bograd, 1999). Similarly, a study on human trafficking found that LGBTQ+ women were more vulnerable to exploitation due to the intersection of homophobia and transphobia (Polaris Project, 2020).

Power dynamics play a significant role in women's victimization in GBV. Studies have found that women who are in positions of power or have more economic resources are less likely to experience GBV (Johnson, 1995). Conversely, women who are in positions of vulnerability or have less economic resources are more likely to experience GBV.

For example, a study on intimate partner violence found that women who were in positions of power or had more economic resources were less likely to experience abuse from their partners (Bograd, 1999). Similarly, a study on human trafficking found that women who were in positions of vulnerability or had less economic resources were more likely to be trafficked (Polaris Project, 2020).

In conclusion, studies on women's victimization in GBV have revealed complex patterns and dynamics that are often overlooked. Women's victimization tends to be extensions of their gender roles, and the intersectionality of women's experiences, including their race, class, and sexuality, also plays a significant role in their vulnerability to GBV. Power dynamics also play a significant role in women's victimization, with women in positions of power or with more economic resources being less likely to experience GBV.

Based on the findings of these studies, the following recommendations can be made:

Addressing the root causes of GBV: Efforts should be made to address the root causes of GBV, including the socialization of women to be submissive and passive, and the intersectionality of women's experiences.
Providing support services: Support services should be provided to women who have experienced GBV, including counseling, legal assistance, and economic support.
Empowering women: Efforts should be made to empower women, including providing them with economic resources, education, and training.
Addressing power dynamics: Efforts should be made to address power dynamics, including providing women with positions of power and economic resources.

Bograd, M. (1999). Feminist perspectives on family violence. In R. J. Gelles & D. R. Loseke (Eds.), Current controversies on family violence (pp. 3-22). Newbury Park, CA: Sage.

Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the intersection of race and sex: A black feminist critique of antidiscrimination doctrine, feminist theory, and antiracist politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 139-167.

Collins, P. H. (2000). Black feminist thought: Knowledge, consciousness, and the politics of empowerment. New York: Routledge.

Johnson, M. P. (1995). Patriarchal terrorism and common couple violence: Two forms of violence against women in intimate relationships. Journal of Marriage and the Family, 57(2), 283-294.

Polaris Project. (2020). Human trafficking in the United States. Retrieved from https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/what-is-human-trafficking/

Note: The references provided are a selection of the studies and research that have been conducted on women's victimization in GBV. A more comprehensive list of references can be found in the original studies and research.
Frequently Asked Questions: Women's Victimization in Gender-Based Violence

A: Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to any act of violence or abuse that is perpetrated against an individual based on their gender. This can include intimate partner violence, sexual assault, human trafficking, and other forms of violence.

A: Women are disproportionately affected by GBV, but men and non-binary individuals can also experience GBV. Women are more likely to experience intimate partner violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking due to societal and cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence.

A: The root causes of GBV are complex and multifaceted, but some of the key factors include:

Societal and cultural norms: Societal and cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence, such as the idea that men are superior to women and that women are responsible for men's behavior.
Power dynamics: Power dynamics that perpetuate GBV, such as the idea that men have more power and control over women.
Economic inequality: Economic inequality that perpetuates GBV, such as the idea that women are responsible for men's economic well-being.
Lack of education and awareness: Lack of education and awareness about GBV and its effects.

A: The signs of GBV can vary depending on the type of violence, but some common signs include:

Physical injuries: Physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, and broken bones.
Emotional distress: Emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Behavioral changes: Behavioral changes such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and mood.
Fear and anxiety: Fear and anxiety about the perpetrator or the situation.

A: Supporting someone who has experienced GBV requires a sensitive and non-judgmental approach. Some ways to support someone who has experienced GBV include:

Believing them: Believing the person and their story.
Listening: Listening to the person and their needs.
Providing resources: Providing resources such as counseling, legal assistance, and economic support.
Empowering them: Empowering the person to make their own decisions and take control of their life.

A: Preventing GBV requires a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of GBV. Some ways to prevent GBV include:

Educating yourself and others: Educating yourself and others about GBV and its effects.
Promoting healthy relationships: Promoting healthy relationships that are based on mutual respect, trust, and communication.
Addressing power dynamics: Addressing power dynamics that perpetuate GBV.
Providing resources: Providing resources such as counseling, legal assistance, and economic support.

A: The consequences of GBV can be severe and long-lasting, including:

Physical injuries: Physical injuries such as bruises, cuts, and broken bones.
Emotional distress: Emotional distress such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Behavioral changes: Behavioral changes such as changes in appetite, sleep patterns, and mood.
Social isolation: Social isolation and disconnection from friends and family.
Economic instability: Economic instability and financial difficulties.

A: Reporting GBV requires a safe and confidential approach. Some ways to report GBV include:

Calling the police: Calling the police or emergency services in the event of an emergency.
Contacting a crisis hotline: Contacting a crisis hotline such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) or the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673).
Seeking medical attention: Seeking medical attention if you have been injured.
Reporting to a trusted authority figure: Reporting GBV to a trusted authority figure such as a teacher, counselor, or supervisor.

A: The laws and policies related to GBV vary depending on the country and jurisdiction, but some common laws and policies include:

Domestic violence laws: Laws that protect individuals from domestic violence, such as restraining orders and protective orders.
Sexual assault laws: Laws that protect individuals from sexual assault, such as rape and sexual battery laws.
Human trafficking laws: Laws that protect individuals from human trafficking, such as laws that prohibit human trafficking and provide support services to victims.
GBV prevention laws: Laws that prevent GBV, such as laws that promote healthy relationships and address power dynamics.

A: There are many resources available for GBV survivors, including:

Counseling and therapy: Counseling and therapy to help survivors cope with the effects of GBV.
Legal assistance: Legal assistance to help survivors navigate the legal system and obtain protective orders and other forms of support.
Economic support: Economic support such as financial assistance and job training.
Support groups: Support groups for survivors to connect with others who have experienced GBV.
Hotlines and helplines: Hotlines and helplines such as the National Domestic Violence Hotline (1-800-799-7233) and the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-4673).