Gender Based Violence
What is Gender Based Violence?
The UN defines Gender Based Violence (GBV) as “Violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman, or violence that affects women disproportionately. It includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other deprivations of liberty” (United Nations, 1992)
Gender Based Violence is also known as Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).
Violence against women and girls is a grave violation of human rights. Its impact ranges from immediate to long-term multiple physical, sexual and mental consequences for women and girls, including death. It negatively affects women’s general well-being and prevents women from fully participating in society. Violence not only has negative consequences for women but also their families, the community and the country at large. It has tremendous costs, from greater health care and legal expenses and losses in productivity, impacting national budgets and overall development (UN Women)
Types of Gender Based Violence
Definitions as used by Scottish health workers:
Commercial sexual exploitation
Harmful traditional practices
Human Trafficking
Sexual Harrassment and Stalking
Taking a stand - Campaigns
WE CAN ALL DO OUR BIT TO END GENDER BASED VIOLENCE.
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Over 100 cases of domestic abuse take place in Shetland every year, with 115 recorded in 2017-18. There are around 60,000 cases recorded in Scotland annually - that is one every ten minutes. Domestic Abuse affects people across our community regardless of sex, race, age, religion, sexuality, income or lifestyle.
