Gender-Based Violence: Basics and Evolution

Abstract

Analyzing gender-based violence (GBV) requires us to understand the cultural and societal norms that underpin and fuel violence against women and an evaluation of the place of women in socioeconomic life. According to the UN, GBV is “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual, or mental harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.” The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in contrast defines GBV as “harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms”. Whichever definition one takes, GBV is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue. It is estimated that one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime. During displacement and times of crisis, the threat of GBV significantly increases for women and girls. The aim of this chapter is to present GBV definitions as a concept in continuous transformation in the era of digital transition and climate change that gives rise to new types of violence. It also highlights the role of advanced technologies and digitized processes in tackling GBV.