STOP GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

Anyone can be a victim of gender-based violence. Victims comes from all walks of life, varying age groups, all backgrounds, communities,education levels,economic levels, cultures, ethnicities, religions, and abilities.
 

Gender based violence occurs when one person feels entitled to power and control over someone else and choose to use abuse to gain and maintain that control. 

 

Abuse may begin with behaviors that may easily be dismissed or downplayed such as name-calling, threats, possessiveness, or distrust. Abusers may apologize profusely for their actions or try to convince the person they are abusing that they do these things out of love or care. However, violence and control always intensifies over time with an abuser, despite the apologies.

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Although abuse may occur only occasionally, they instill fear of future violent attacks and allow the abuser to control the victim's life and circumstances.

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Gender Based violence affects all aspects of a victim's life. When abuse victims are able to safely escape and remain free from their abuser, they often survive with long-lasting and sometimes permanent effects to their mental and physical health; relationships with friends, family, and children; their career; and their economic well-being.

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Victims of gender based violence may: 

• Feel isolated

• Feel depressed

• Feel helpless

• Be unaware of what services are available to help them

• Be embarrassed of their situation

• Fear judgement or stigmatization if their reveal the abuse

• Deny or minimize the abuse or make excuses for the abuser

• Still love their abuser

• Withdraw emotionally

• Distance themselves from family or friends

• Be impulsive or aggressive

• Feel financially dependent on their abuser

• Feel guilt related to the relationship

• Feel shame

• Have anxiety

• Have suicidal thoughts

• Abuse alcohol or drugs

• Be hopeful that their abuser will change and/or stop the abuse

• Have religious, cultural, or other beliefs that reinforce staying in the relationship

• Have no support from friends of family

• Fear cultural, community, or societal backlash that may hinder escape or support

• Feel like they have nowhere to go or no ability to get away

• Fear they will not be able to support themselves after they escape the abuser

• Have children in common with their abuser and fear for their safety if the victim leaves

• Have pets or other animals they don't want to leave

• Be distrustful of local law enforcement, courts, or other systems if the abuse is reveale
  
  It is important to note that GBV does not always manifest as physical abuse. Emotional and psychological abuse can often be just as extreme as physical violence. Lack of physical violence does not mean the abuser is any less dangerous to the victim, nor does it mean the victim is any less trapped by the abuse.
  
  Additionally, GBV violence does not always end when the victim escapes the abuser, tries to terminate the relationship, and/or seeks help. It often intensifies because the abuser feels a loss of control over the victim. Abusers frequently continue to stalk, harass, threaten, and try to control the victim after the victim escapes
  
  Surviving GBV is not easy but it is possible. Seek help today!