Gender-based violence: Myths, facts

Gender-based violence or abuse has been at the forefront of discussions for a while. This is due to the seeming increase in rate of abuse cases. Indeed, globally, it is said that one in three girls will be affected by violence during her lifetime while six out of 10 women will likely face psychological, physical or sexual violence from their partners.

And in spite of advocacy and enlightenment, there are still many misconceptions about abuse. Part of these include the myth that abuse is a private or family matter and no one should interfere; that women who stay with abusive partners are simply weak-willed or that abuse is just a female issue.

These misconceptions are usually as a result of cultural beliefs, religious inclinations and societal values, especially in patriarchal societies. But contrary to popular notion, violence is not only a women’s issue but an issue that affects the entire society.

Gender-based violence is not a spur of the moment situation but a pattern of behaviour where an individual exerts excessive power or control over others, especially their partners, utilising diverse strategies.

Contrary to belief, abuse is not only sexual or physical but also verbal, intimidation, isolation, control of finances or restriction of financial independence, reproductive coercion, emotional, psychological, sabotaging birth control, threats, restricting ability to earn income, pressuring, coercing and unwanted sexual activity.

There’s a common belief, especially in patriarchal societies, that an abused woman is doing something wrong to attract such treatment; this is wrong. Abuse can never be justified and the victim should not be given the extra burden of unnecessary guilt and emotional trauma.

Women are not the only victims of abuse like many want to believe; men can also be victims but the numbers are higher among women than men. Indeed, a research indicates that the ratio of female to male abuse is 1:46. So, women can also commit acts of violence.

There’s a belief that abuse especially domestic violence only happens to poor, uneducated women. This is false; violence does not respect socio-economic ability or educational background, it doesn’t discriminate, women from all financial backgrounds fall victims of abuse. It has however been proved that poor women are more open to abuse because they usually have no financial means or required support to walk away from abuse.

The most believed myth in the African society is that abuse or violence is a family matter and consequently, private. The truth is gender-based violence is a human rights violation and a crime that is liable to prosecution. This is the reason there are legislations against this, which have been domesticated by states especially Lagos and Oyo states.

And while we still think it is a private matter, it is time we reassess our beliefs before we fall foul of the law. Abuse is a criminal offence that does not recognize family affiliations.