Answer to Question #205421 in English for Samkelisiwe Ndwala

Question

Violence against women is the most pervasive yet least recognized human rights violation in the

world. It also is a profound health problem, sapping women’s energy, compromising their

physical health, and eroding their self-esteem. In addition to causing injury, violence increases

women’s long-term risk of a number of other health problems, including chronic pain, physical

disability, drug and alcohol abuse and depression. Women with a history of physical or sexual

abuse are also at increased risk for unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections

(STIs), and adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Adapted from: Heise. L, Ellsberg. M. & Gottmoeller. M (2002): A global overview of gender￾based violence

Question 1: Part A: From the extract above, write a research-based essay in which you discuss

the causes and effects of gender-based violence (GBV) (300 words). Part B: How can GBV be

addressed? (choose a specific context when answering part B) (300 words).

Answer 1

Causes and effects of gender-based violence

Cases of domestic violence in the mainstream community continue to constrain efforts by public health programs and other social initiatives created to reduce gender stereotyping. John, Casey, Carino and McGovern (2020) identified violence targeted in women to encompass physical, emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse by a male perpetrator with an intent of establishing dominance or erode the victim’s self-esteem. Cases of girls and women being victims of domestic violence appear as a norm in various parts of the world with causes linked with a violent background, violence within intimate relationships, status within the community, and norms cordoned by the society. Society has rendered women, victims of domestic violence with poverty, unemployment, low attainment levels in education, and hunger, making women easy prey for male dominance. Similarly, societal norms cordoning male patriarchy and dominance over women continue to fuel aggression and violence towards women. Lastly, men and boys witnessing violence at their tender age tend to mimic this violent behaviour later.

Violence against women and girls tend to have a significant implication on the overall health and prompt the majority of the victims to develop low self-esteem and depression. According to Heise. Ellsberg and Gottmoeller (2002), gender-based violence result in behavioural changes, including alcohol and drug use, depressive disorder, chronic conditions, and reproductive health complications. After being at the receiving end of an abusive relationship, women tend to develop an inward going personality due to the fear of ridicule or due to the fear of their partners. Women tend to face challenges as they cannot open up to their colleagues, making them undergo through emotional pain alone. As a result, most victims slip into unhealthy sexual behaviour or stay in relationships that end up resulting in reproductive health complications.

Part B

How can GBV be addressed?

Various organizations have developed public health programs focused on addressing the rising incidents of gender-based violence, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. According to John, cases of violence n women and girls have spiked due to the inequalities presented by income disparities and social norms. Measures derived to curb violence within the household spans from campaigns to taking legal actions on the perpetrators associated with these vice. These measures have had tangible result in addressing stereotyping in the mainstream society but still lacks in establishing a lasting solution capable of addressing the core of gender-based violence. According to various scholars, it is critical to focus on the perpetrator point of view as a critical feature in unlocking the nature of domestic violence to educate and sensitize the society on the dangers of constraining women and girls (Casey, Carlson, Two Bulls & Yager, 2018). As a result, measures to mitigate these rampant behaviours have been put in place, emphasizing the male in the campaign to stop gender-based violence. This gender transformative approach is critical in focusing on the norms acceptable by society by changing the male role in the stereotyping role. It is possible to influence more men to change their perception towards gender violence and dominance in society and reach out to their colleagues who still hold similar sentiments.