Prevention of Gender Based Violence

Introduction and Forms of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It stems from unequal power relationships between men and women. Recognizing the different manifestations helps healthcare providers identify hidden abuse during routine clinical encounters.

• Physical violence: Inflicting bodily harm through hitting, beating, slapping, or the use of weapons.
• Sexual violence: Any unwanted sexual contact, attempted sexual activity, or acts directed against a person's sexuality without consent.
• Emotional and psychological abuse: Actions that cause mental torment, including intimidation, constant humiliation, isolation, and threats of harm.
• Economic abuse: Controlling a person's access to financial resources, preventing them from working, or withholding basic survival needs.

Root Causes and Social Determinants

Understanding why GBV occurs requires examining cultural norms and social structures. Deeply entrenched patriarchal beliefs often normalize male dominance and female subordination. Harmful traditional practices, poverty, and weak legal enforcement further compound vulnerability, especially for women and girls in resource-constrained settings.

Health and Psychosocial Consequences

Survivors of GBV experience profound physical and mental health challenges. Physical injuries can range from bruises and fractures to traumatic brain injuries and unwanted pregnancies. Psychosocially, survivors frequently suffer from depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Stigma and fear often prevent them from seeking timely medical attention.

Prevention Strategies: Primary, Secondary, and Tertiary

Effective prevention operates on three distinct levels:

• Primary prevention: Stopping violence before it occurs through community education, challenging harmful gender norms, and promoting gender equality.
• Secondary prevention: Early identification and rapid response, such as screening patients in emergency departments and offering immediate post-rape care.
• Tertiary prevention: Long-term rehabilitation, counseling, and legal support to help survivors recover and prevent the recurrence of abuse.

Nursing Screening and Assessment

Nurses occupy a frontline position for identifying GBV. Routine screening in outpatient clinics, antenatal wards, and emergency units can uncover hidden abuse. Nurses must ask direct, compassionate questions in a private setting. A common clinical mistake is waiting for the patient to voluntarily disclose abuse; many will not mention it unless directly and safely asked.

Survivor-Centric Clinical Management

Care must always center on the survivor's autonomy, safety, and well-being. Healthcare providers should practice trauma-informed care, which prioritizes physical and emotional safety. Providers must avoid victim-blaming language, ensure absolute confidentiality, and obtain informed consent before performing any examination or sharing details with other agencies.

Legal Frameworks and Referral Pathways

No single profession can tackle GBV alone. Nurses must understand local legal protections, such as the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Act, and know how to connect survivors to multi-sectoral services. Effective referral networks link health facilities with police, legal aid organizations, social welfare officers, and safe shelters to provide comprehensive support.