A man consistently beats his partner and children to a pulp. A woman is known to “trouble” little boys. The knowledge of their actions however, sees them facing little to no repercussions because cultural norms allow them to continue with impunity. The reality is that we have a very limited way of viewing violence, and even within that limitation, there are constant excuses and justifications made about why violence was enacted against someone.
Many continue to see Gender Based Violence (GBV) as being violence against and between women and men. It is however, way more nuanced than that, and refers to violence perpetrated against someone based on their gender. This violence includes but is not limited to, physical, economic, and mental abuse. It addresses intimate partner violence, violence in same sex relationships, violence against women, men and children. Because of the gendered way in which we continue to view abuse however, there are limited responses towards that which does not fit the set narrative.