RUNNING HEAD: GENDER
Gender-Based Violence
[Name of the Student]
[Name of the Institution]
Gender-Based Violence
Introduction
Global statistics clearly indicate that the issue of violence is alarmingly increasing that requires active attention. The problem of violence can be observed in many different forms, and every aspect has its particular implications. Gender-based violence is recognised as one chronic form of violence that demands some immediate practical measures. The issue of gender-based violence is defined as the phenomenon that is closely linked with the broader spectrum of gender inequality. This specific problem is ranked as the one chronic violation of human rights that prevails in all societies in various forms. The calamity of gender-based violence is recognised as the violence against a person due to their gender. It is noteworthy to mention that both women and men can experience gender-based violence, but mostly, this phenomenon exists in the case of women and girls. Gender-based violence is mostly characterised in the form of violence against women because the majority of victims are reported as women and girls (Flood and Pease, 2009, pp.126). This research paper focuses on critically analyse the issue of gender-based violence to determine how this type of violence is different from other forms of violence.
Discussion
The comprehensive understanding of the issue of gender-based violence is an essential step because it eventually increases the issue of gender inequality. Though gender-based violence is experienced by both men and women ratio for women victims is immensely high. This extensive gap demands active consideration of this issue to propose some effective practical solutions. Critical consideration of the ‘gender-based’ aspect is crucial because this form of violence ultimately increases the extensive power gap between the genders of men and women. The specific term of gender-based violence is used interchangeably when it comes to the problem of violence against women. It is important to consider different relevant aspects of the problem of gender-based violence to recognise its difference with other forms of violence. It is obligatory to discuss the issue of gender-based violence more than any other form of violence because it is a common practice in different cities (Garcia-Moreno and Watts, 2011, pp.2). This specific issue is immense because people never even have the realisation of the intensity of this problem that ultimately affects the approach of equal human rights for everyone without any gender discrimination.
Difference between Gender-based Violence from Other Forms of Violence
The comprehensive discussion on the issue of gender-based violence can never be considered complete without identifying its differentiation with other forms of violence. This form of consideration can be helpful to assess the seriousness of this specific problem to propose better practical solutions in the end. Gender-based violence is different from other forms of violence because violation of human rights as violence differently influence men and women. This form of violence ultimately causes the issue of gender inequality that is one major concern in the broad case of unbiased human rights (Reed, 2008, pp.197). The issue of gender-based violence is directly linked with the application of equal human rights for everyone without the approach of gender discrimination.
It is important to evaluate the wide-spread implications of the issue of gender-based violence to determine its association with the broader form of power inequality between genders. Gender-based violence is ranked as the practical domain to reinforce other forms of inequalities in the society that never appears in case of other forms of violence. The problem of gender-based violence is wide-ranging that impacts all the societies irrespective of social classes. This form of existence never prevails in other forms of violence as it impacts society in the form of a single perspective. The calamity of gender-based violence can be manifested in diverse forms that require some critical attention. Another major difference that prevails between gender-based violence and other forms of violence is that it is immensely difficult to recognise and report violence against women. It is complex to register the problem of gender-based violence in society because mostly, it is not reported as domestic violence. In some societies, women considered themselves restricted to bear the problem of violence because they depend on men in different forms (Signorelli, Taft, and Pereira, 2012, pp.1041). The existing differences between gender-based violence and other forms of violence can be better apprehended by analysing different crucial aspects of the problem of gender-based violence.
Assessment of the issue of gender-Based violence
Over the years, the issue of gender-based violence has immensely come to be recognised as one serious concern of human rights. Critical consideration of this specific issue is important because it not only influences women, but it is concern about equality, overall development, and peace. The issue of gender-based violence is established as the priority to address the concerns of equal human rights. The problem of violence against women eventually directly linked with the practical prospects of equality and development. This alarming concern is also actively considered by the international organisations of human rights such as the United Nations. This form of consideration demands active, practical measures to deal with this growing problem. All the stakeholders need to have proper consideration of different dimensions of the issue of gender-based violence that mainly prevails in the form of domestic violence (Purohit et al., 2015, pp.7). The particular forms as gender inequalities norms ultimately increase the risk of gender-based violence in society. Application of suitable gender-based violence assessment tools is an essential condition to deal with this issue in case of different societies effectively.
The issue of gender-based violence is closely linked with the aspects of power difference in the case of men and women. The growing issue of gender-based violence ultimately expands the authority and power of men as compared to women. This approach ultimately affects the balanced domain in the form of gender equality. The issue of gender-based violence has appeared in different forms such as rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, acid throwing, parental sex selection, etc. Consideration of different forms of gender-based violence helps to identify the prevailing difference between this type of violence from other domains of violence (Vaughan et al., 2015, pp.7). These forms of violence differently affect men and women and ultimately indicates the powerful position of men in society. The concern of gender inequality is closely linked with the practical implications of gender-based violence.
Gender-Based Violence as a Human Rights Violation
The universal declaration of human rights maintains no difference in the rights of men and women, pertaining to any condition. The important covenants recognised as the universal declaration of human rights, the covenants on the economy, culture and social life and the universal declaration of human rights. Albeit, the presence of certain global norms, the American and Caribbean women associations have been calling for the contextualised provision of rights for the women. They have been raising this voice, as there exists a growing concern that they have been marginalised from the structural adjustment policies and the policies pertaining to the economic changes. They also cite the reason for growing social stratification and increasing limitations of social imbalance. Some of the women's rights organisations working here have called for the equitable participation of women in political activities (Rees et al., 2011, pp.517). Their struggle is pillared upon the fact that they have been facing problems in suitable care during the last stages of pregnancy and in accessing the controlled contraceptives. Since the 1970s, these women have not been able to put their demands according to the essentialist perspective offered by the realist paradigm.
Legislation on Domestic Violence
Gender-based violence is a global concern. With time, there had been an increasing understanding that the elimination of gender-based violence is a pressing issue. For eliminating the gender-based violence, it remains pertinent that the historical causes and the social-cultural factors attributed to the tribal communities must be addressed. Consequently, it can pave the way for upholding the civil rights movements and maintaining an equitable balance between the provision of rights of both men and women. For keeping the values upheld and supreme, the Roman law and the Napoleonic code were based on the Latin American and the Carrabin law. Although the Caribbean law upheld the values related to the male population but not in any way, it derogated the rights of women in any way (Reed, Raj, Miller, and Silverman, 2010, pp. 350). Women, however, were considered permanent minors and the incapacitated persons; even violence was made against them, but gradually the Caribbean communities remained successful in eliminating such roles and violence. The term “gender-based” violence took over control in the international literature during the 1920s. Interestingly, this was the same time when Britain and American nationals were working on new laws pertaining to women. These refinements are established in Britain and America laws impacted positively on Latin American culture and economics. Many legal reforms pertaining women were made in Argentina, Belize, Brazil, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Chile, Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, Venezuela and Uruguay during the same decades (Kaya and Cook, 2010, pp. 440).
Different Forms of Gender-Based Violence
Identification of different forms of gender-based violence is essential to assess its implications in case of gender inequality successfully. Critical consideration of the different forms such as sexual harassment and domestic violence are mainly associated with women. This form of assessment reveals the unequal and weak position of women in a male-dominated society. The imbalance approach in the form of gender inequality explicitly appeared as the authoritative context for the men as compared to women (Vos et al., 2006, pp.741). The risk of traditional practices in the form of gender-based violence can also never be ignored that affects women's position in a great manner. Proper consideration of this specific issue is also critical because it challenges the other factors such as the aspects of health, dignity, security, and autonomy, specifically for the women. Gender-based violence is an example of one critical social crime that influences victims emotionally, physically, and emotionally.
Domestic Violence against Women
The elderly persons, women and children are the core victims of domestic violence. However, studies have shown that women are the utmost victims worldwide. Worldwide figures specify that 2% of the sufferers of acts of viciousness performed by a partner are men; 75% are females, and 23% are reciprocal viciousness (Heise, Ellsberg, and Gottmoeller, 2002, pp. 10). These statistics burden up the fact that women are the most vulnerable among all victims. Domestic violence and violence in workplaces reflect gender discrimination in communities. Domestic violence has been observed in communities very commonly despite the age and socioeconomic status of females (Guruge et al., 2017, pp. 18). It cannot be divorced from the societies and communities without proper administration to stop this violence against women. Gender-based discrimination, division of labour and socio-cultural values are the major causes of domestic violence. Aggression, misbehaviours, and domination of male-based society are also linked with domestic violence. Inequality among sexes, male preferences, pressure from families and male supremacy increase the incidence of domestic violence (Flood, 2011, pp.374). Unemployment, illiteracy and lack of awareness are the chief causes of domestic violence in communities. Certain psychological factors, culture and localities also influence domestic violence. For example, in localities, where males are dominant and show aggression towards females are more probably have increased the occurrence of domestic violence. The domestic violence in the form of sexual abuse, injuries and mental stress resulted in the whole family to suffer. Gender-based violence is more commonly observed in families with low socioeconomic status. The discrimination and other related differences arise because of lack of awareness and education. Domestic violence is not attributable to individual psychological factors and social status; it is a representation of the entire family and a society (Levtov et al., 2014, pp. 10). Cultural and philosophical factors are also linked with the occurrence of domestic violence. It is a culture that prevails in societies and communities which entails appropriate awareness to stop this domestic violence, particularly against women.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Sexual harassment refers to undesirable sexual advances as well as requests for sexual favours leading to the development of a hostile working environment. This phenomenon is increasing at an alarming rate all over the world, specifically in developing countries. Women are the prime victim of this harassment. Sexual harassment is ranked as one of the critical forms of gender-based violence mainly faced by women. The reported cases of sexual harassment in the workplace for women are drastic that eventually indicate power difference between men and women (Higate, 2007, pp. 100). In many societies, women never have enough protection to attain an equal position in the overall process of development.
Conclusion
To conclude the discussion about the growing concern of gender-based violence, it is important to indicate that the drastic implications of this form of violence are different from other types of violence. It is important to address this particular issue to ensure successful dealing of gender inequality and ensure equal human rights without any biasedness.
References
Flood, M. and Pease, B., 2009. Factors influencing attitudes to violence against women. Trauma, violence, & abuse, 10(2), pp.125-142.
Flood, M., 2011. Involving men in efforts to end violence against women. Men and masculinities, 14(3), pp.358-377.
Garcia-Moreno, C. and Watts, C., 2011. Violence against women: an urgent public health priority. Bulletin of the world health organization, 89, pp.2-2.
Guruge, S., Ford-Gilboe, M., Varcoe, C., Jayasuriya-Illesinghe, V., Ganesan, M., Sivayogan, S., ... & Vithanarachchi, H. (2017). Intimate partner violence in the post-war context: Women’s experiences and community leaders’ perceptions in the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. PloS one, 12(3), e0174801.
Heise, L., Ellsberg, M., & Gottmoeller, M. (2002). A global overview of gender‐based violence. International Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics, 78, S5-S14.
Higate, P. (2007). Peacekeepers, masculinities, and sexual exploitation. Men and Masculinities, 10(1), 99-119.
Kaya, Y., & Cook, K. J. (2010). A cross-national analysis of physical intimate partner violence against women. International Journal of Comparative Sociology, 51(6), 423-444.
Levtov, R. G., Barker, G., Contreras-Urbina, M., Heilman, B., & Verma, R. (2014). Pathways to gender-equitable men: Findings from the international men and gender equality survey in eight countries. Men and Masculinities, 17(5), 467-501.
Purohit, H., Banerjee, T., Hampton, A., Shalin, V.L., Bhandutia, N. and Sheth, A.P., 2015. Gender-based violence in 140 characters or fewer: A# BigData case study of Twitter. arXiv preprint arXiv:1503.02086.
Reed, E., 2008. Intimate partner violence: A gender-based issue?. American journal of public health, 98(2), pp.197-198.
Reed, E., Raj, A., Miller, E., & Silverman, J. G. (2010). Losing the “gender” in gender-based violence: The missteps of research on dating and intimate partner violence. Violence Against Women, 16(3), 348-354.
Rees, S., Silove, D., Chey, T., Ivancic, L., Steel, Z., Creamer, M., Teesson, M., Bryant, R., McFarlane, A.C., Mills, K.L. and Slade, T., 2011. Lifetime prevalence of gender-based violence in women and the relationship with mental disorders and psychosocial function. Jama, 306(5), pp.513-521.
Signorelli, M.C., Taft, A. and Pereira, P.P.G., 2012. Intimate partner violence against women and healthcare in Australia: charting the scene. Ciencia & saude coletiva, 17, pp.1037-1048.
Vaughan, C., Murdolo, A., Murray, L., Davis, E., Chen, J., Block, K., Quiazon, R. and Warr, D., 2015. ASPIRE: A multi-site community-based participatory research project to increase understanding of the dynamics of violence against immigrant and refugee women in Australia. BMC public health, 15(1), p.1283.
Vos, T., Astbury, J., Piers, L.S., Magnus, A., Heenan, M., Stanley, L., Walker, L. and Webster, K., 2006. Measuring the impact of intimate partner violence on the health of women in Victoria, Australia. Bulletin of the World Health Organization, 84, pp.739-744.
