The Facts: Gender-Based Violence

I. VIOLENCE TODAY

According to the World Health Organization's list of causes of death in upper-middle-income countries, the only violent death included in the top ten was vehicular accidents with the top nine deaths on the list resulted from cardiovascular and respiratory diseases. In short, we no longer live in a world where violence claims more lives than health complications due to genetics and lifestyle choices. In most first-world countries, the presence of law enforcement and the justice system can deter violence. However, these are not infallible safeguards, as consequences do not stop willful predators.

Unfortunately, women and girls are still disproportionately vulnerable to physical violence and abuse around the world, even here in Canada. Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender with many women and girls falling victim to or knowing a survivor who has experienced any of the following (click on each to learn more)

INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

SEXUAL ASSAULT

SEXUAL HARASSMENT

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II. GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE: MYTHS VS. REALITY

Despite the seriousness of GBV, many misconceptions regarding its prevalence continue to spread. In order to properly defend against violence and end the stigmatization, we must debunk the myths from reality:

MYTH: Gender-based violence is very rare and only happens to certain demographics.

REALITY: Gender-based violence is not limited to any geographical location, culture, income level, or age. Marginalized groups can experience GBV at higher rates, but this is not their fault, as perpetrators often target them strategically and exploit their vulnerabilities. Studies show that 67% of Canadians know at least one woman who has experienced assault, abuse, or harassment. Note that violence and abuse is an underreported crime so the statistics may be higher.

MYTH: Perpetrators are impoverished, have mental health issues, substance addiction or childhood trauma.

REALITY: Poverty, mental health issues, substance addiction or childhood trauma are not unique causes of violence or abuse as many perpetrators are well-adjusted, sociable, educated, and successful. Regardless of their upbringing, economic status or lifestyle, what all perpetrators have in common is the desire to control and harm others.

MYTH: Violence and abuse against women and girls is mostly perpetrated by a stranger.

REALITY: In 82% of reported violence against women and girls, the perpetrator was a non-stranger: a relative, partner, friend, neighbor, colleague/employer, or classmate/teacher.

MYTH: Most assaults happen outside homes, in dark areas like alleys or parks at night.

REALITY: The majority of assaults happen in private homes or residences.

MYTH: Victims of GBV are somewhat responsible for being targeted (e.g., walking alone at night, not being aware of their surroundings).

REALITY: Everyone has a right to live free from harm and a right to self-defense. Victims are never at fault for being targeted, only the perpetrator is responsible for the attack.

MYTH: Victims who do not fight back or yell for help are not "real" victims.

REALITY: Victims do not consent to being abused or harmed. When a victim does not fight back, or yell for help, this does not indicate consent to being attacked; becoming paralyzed with fear is a common and uncontrollable reaction to traumatic conflicts.

MYTH: Survivors should easily recall all the details of the incident or abuse.

REALITY: Memory repression is an unconscious coping mechanism for many survivors of traumatic events. Memory loss is also more common if the assault included mind-altering substances (e.g., drugs, alcohol) or if the victim was strangled or struck with blunt force trauma to the head.

MYTH: Victim-blaming is harmless.

REALITY: When victim-blaming attitudes are taken lightly, it can discourage survivors from seeking help and discourage others from helping or believing them.

MYTH: Most reports of violence and harassment are made up.

REALITY: False reports of violence and harassment are very low. Many survivors do not report out of fear of being blamed, judged and not receiving help.

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III. BARRIERS TO SEEKING HELP OR REPORTING

Regardless of what kind of gender-based violence a person experiences, there are common reasons why it is difficult to leave a situation, report or seek help:

• SHAME & STIGMA

  Shame and stigma are powerful deterrents to disclosing traumatic experiences.

  • Victim fears they will be ostracized, not believed or not receive help:

  • If the perpetrator is a family member/spouse, the victim may be pressured to save the relationship or stay with them (e.g., some cultures stigmatize single parents, and/or divorcees).

  • If the perpetrator is a respected member of the victim’s community, they may be pressured to remain silent to protect their reputation.

  • If the victim was/is in a romantic relationship with perpetrator, the victim may be blamed.

  • If the assault occurred on work or school property, the company or institution may choose to prevent the victim from seeking aid, protect the assailant instead and/or hide the incident (e.g., not firing/expelling assailant, censoring the assault from the news)

  • Victim does not want to be a burden to their loved ones.

  • Victim believes their experience is a private matter.

  • Victim has developed mental health issues and/or substance addiction from coping with their trauma which adds another layer of stigma to their experience.

• FEAR OF SAFETY

  Victim fears violent retaliation from the perpetrator which includes threats and actualized violence against them, and their loved ones.

• FEAR OF AUTHORITIES

  Distrust of law enforcement or criminal justice system can be common for victims for many reasons:

  • Past negative encounters with police

  • Unaware of their rights to report

  • Fear they will not be believed

  • Fear that nothing can be done and that their perpetrator will remain free

  Especially in the case of human trafficking, a victim can fear legal consequences if they were forced to commit crimes during their exploitation (e.g., drug/weapons trafficking, illegal entry).

• LACK OF ADEQUATE RESOURCES

  Despite the many private and public services available to victims and survivors, seeking help is not always simple:

  • Victim does not believe that resources and services are effective, either from hopelessness or past experience where they did not receive adequate help.

  • Victim has no access (or has very limited access) to professional help.

  • Victim’s movements, communication and finances are controlled and/or monitored (e.g., perpetrator accompanies victim wherever she goes).

  • Victim is financially dependent on the perpetrator, and leaving them may result in a decline in living conditions, homelessness, deportation or losing custody of children.

• RELATIONSHIP TO THE PERPETRATOR

  If the perpetrator is a non-stranger (especially a romantic partner/interest or a family member), victims are at greater risk of being codependent and dealing with conflicting emotions of anger, fear, love and loyalty to protect or stay with the perpetrator:

  • Victim does not recognize the situation as violence or abuse, or sees it as “normal” in any relationship (e.g., “That’s how he expresses love.”)

  • Victim believes in committing to or keeping the relationship because of religious or cultural beliefs (e.g., “family first,” “til death do us part”, “together no matter what”, “love conquers all”)

  • Victim believes that the perpetrator deserves a second chance. This is especially common when the perpetrator apologizes and promises to change.

  • Victim wants the violence or abuse to end but not the relationship.

  • Victim does not want the perpetrator to be imprisoned.

• BURDEN OF COURT PROCEEDINGS

  If the survivor presses charges (or in the case of married intimate partner violence, files for a divorce) they are at risk of being re-traumatized due to the difficulty of court proceedings:

  • Survivor must retell their experience in full detail, testify and be cross examined.

  • Survivor’s character and memory will be scrutinized by the defense.

  • Court cases can take months, even years which means survivor must endure the emotional and physical toll of recounting their trauma.

  • If the case becomes public, the survivor is at risk of being exposed to more scrutiny by their community or the media.

  • There’s a risk that the case will not result in the conviction of the perpetrator which can further endanger the survivor.

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IV. WARNING SIGNS

Given the prevalence of gender-based violence, there is a possibility that someone you know is being victimized. Signs of abuse and violence may be difficult to spot, as victims are likely to keep them hidden. It’s important to note that victims need not show all warning signs to suggest they are being harmed and to trust your intuition if you feel someone is at risk.

• PSYCHOLOGICAL CHANGES

  Note that these psychological changes are also similar to effects of mental health-issues that may be unrelated to violence or abuse. Regardless of the cause of these changes, letting the person know you are concerned and are willing to support them can go a long way:

  • Radical mood swings (e.g., irritability, sudden emotional outbursts)

  • Disassociation, heightened fear of others

  • Withdrawing from events/activities they once enjoyed

  • Difficulty concentrating or remembering new information

  • Troubled sleep (e.g., insomnia, bed-wetting, sleepwalking, nightmares)

  • Sudden weight loss or gain

  • Alcohol or substance abuse

  • Self-harm or suicidal ideation

• SIGNS OF GROOMING

  In human trafficking, traffickers groom their victims to gain their trust, create dependency and isolate them from healthy relationships while hiding their identity from those who may interfere. The grooming period often has the following shifts in appearance and behavior of the target:

  • Receives unexplained, expensive gifts (e.g., cash, jewelry, clothes, electronics, accessories, vacation, beauty treatments)

  • Possesses a second cell phone

  • Has an obsessive, fast-moving and secretive new relationship or job (e.g., “It’s only been two weeks and we’re moving in together”, “Don’t worry about what I do, just know it pays well”)

  • Withdraws from family and friends

  • Gets upset or defensive when you inquire or express concern about their new behavior, relationship or job (e.g., “Stop asking about him”, “You’re being paranoid”)

  • Is picked up by different cars or goes to different establishments or homes outside of known work or social circles

  • Frequent, and unexplained absences/tardiness at school, work or social events

  • Out of character behaviors (e.g., hyper-sexualized appearance, excessive or sudden use of alcohol and drugs)

• SIGNS OF TRAFFICKING AND/OR PARTNER ABUSE

  Note that the effects of traffickers and intimate partner abusers are similar to one another as their presence in the victim’s life is rooted in constant control over them:

  • Drastic behavioral and personality changes (e.g., more fearful, avoidant, inconsistent explanations, disoriented, low self-esteem for someone who was always confident)

  • Constantly checking in with their partner or with a person who is unknown to you

  • Limited or restricted freedoms (e.g., must always be accompanied or ask permission before going somewhere)

  • Poor physical health and hygiene (e.g., malnourished, exhausted, substance addiction)

  • Shows signs of physical or sexual abuse (e.g., unexplained bruises, cuts, bite marks)

  • Loss of personal possessions (e.g., no money or ID)

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DUE TO THE COMPLICATIONS AND RISK OF GREATER VIOLENCE AND ABUSE, TRAINED PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE MAY BE REQUIRED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE PROCEED TO SUPPORT SERVICES.

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“We cannot change what we are not aware of.
If you see something, say something.”

• References

  • The Centre. “Why victims and survivors of human trafficking may choose not to report.” Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. Nov 2020.

  • Canadian Women’s Foundation. "The Facts about Gender-Based Violence." June 2022.

  —. “The Facts About Sexual Assault and Harassment.“ Nov 2022.

  • Cory, Jill & Karen McAndless-Davis. “When Love Hurts: A Woman's Guide to Understanding Abuse in Relationships.” Berkley. 2016.

  • Cotter, Adam. "Criminal Victimization in Canada: 2019." Canadian Centre for Justice and Community Safety Statistics. August 2021.

  • Government of Canada. "Just Facts: Sexual Assault." Department of Justice. 2019.

  —-. “Fact sheet: Intimate partner violence.” 2021.

  • Mattingly, Katy. “Self-Defense Steps to Survival: A Proven Plan for Personal Protection.” Human Kinetics. 2007.

  • Statistics Canada. "Table 13-10-0394-01: Leading causes of death, total population, by age group." 2022.

  • Warshaw, Robin. "I Never Called it Rape." Harper Perennial. 2019.

  • World Health Organization. "Top 10 Causes of Death." December 2020.

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