Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful actions that are perpetrated against individuals based on their sex, gender identity or perceived gender roles. Gender based violence is experienced predominantly and disproportionately by women and girls however support is also available for males.
Gender-based violence encompasses a range of harmful behaviours, including physical, sexual, emotional, financial and psychological abuse. It can occur in various contexts including intimate partner relationships, families, communities, workplaces and online spaces.
Domestic abuse: Includes physical violence, coercion, control and manipulation within relationships.
Sexual violence: Involves any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour, including rape, sexual assault and harassment.
Harassment and stalking: Persistent unwanted attention, threats, and intimidation, occurring in public or online.
Honour based violence: Violence perpetrated in relation to protecting perceived cultural or familial honour, often against women and girls.
Commercial sexual exploitation: trafficking, pornography, prostitution, lap dancing, online content.
Harms related to gender based violence
Physical harm: Physical violence can result in injuries ranging from bruises and cuts to broken bones and internal trauma, leading to long-term health consequences and death.
Psychological impact: People who have experienced GBV may experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health conditions due to trauma and ongoing abuse.
Social and economic consequences: GBV can isolate victims from support networks, disrupt education and employment and lead to financial crises or homelessness.
Sexual health: Sexual violence can result in unintended pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), blood borne viruses (BBVs) and gynaecological problems which can affect reproductive health.
If you have immediate urgent concerns about the someone's safety you should report this to the police by calling 999
Information and advice on how to report concerns about an adult is available via your local adult protection web pages below:
GGC - Sexual Health - Supporting Adult Service Users with Relationships, Sexual Health and Sexual Wellbeing - IN DEVELOPMENT
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