What is the difference between Violence Against Women and Gender Violence?

Nov 24

Written By Maria

In this article, we will define the differences of violence against women and gender violence. And how these types of violence have elevated due to the COVID pandemic.

by: María Acevedo

In my point of view, the topic of violence can be a delicate and controversial issue to discuss. It should not matter the person’s gender or sexual inclination, but unfortunately others do not see it that way and as a consequence, violence becomes the end result. In this article, we will discuss violence against women and gender violence and go over how they differ.

Gender violence can be defined as acts of violence that are directed at a person because of their hatred towards a particular gender. For example, gender violence is a term that can be used when the violence is aimed at LGBTQI + people or their communities. That is to say, the focus of gender violence is aimed at specific genders, whether it is adults or children. Anyone in those genders can be targeted.[1]

On the other hand, violence against women is defined as any act of violence that produces physical, sexual, or mental harm towards women. This can also include other threats of such acts of coercion or isolating victims from friends and loved ones.[2]

We are currently experiencing difficult times due to the changes of our way of life due to the pandemic. Since last year, most of us are confined to our homes for long periods and have restricted mobility outdoors, which has cause us to go through greater isolation, stress, and economic uncertainty. As a consequence, this has caused an alarming increase in violence against women.[3] Since the start of the pandemic that most of us have been more confined to our homes, it has become much easier for an aggressor to do damage to a victim without anyone noticing. Many victims stay quiet about their violent assaults because they may feel intimidated by their abusers into thinking, "what will people say or think of me?" People can be judgmental and sometimes speak without first thinking about the consequences of what they say having a negative impact on a victim of violence. Because of this, many violent acts tend to go unreported.

In these trying times, people should make more of an effort to be more empathetic towards victims of violence. Violence has always been an issue, but humanity has become a bit desensitized to violence because of popular culture and technology, information is more easily available now than in the past. It has made it so that people lose their sense of empathy towards victims of violence. We need to do our part to raise awareness of violence and its rise around the world, informing people better of what to look for and how to help victims. If people have the right tools and information, it may be possible to help more victims going through their struggles.

That being said, it is my personal opinion that there are not many differences between violence against women and gender violence. Both terms can be used interchangeably, since violence against women can be considered a type of gender violence.[4] Both cover types of violence can cover physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and psychological abuse, as well as threats, coercion and economic or educational deprivation. It can affect anyone regardless of nationality, socioeconomic origin, race, religion, sexuality, or gender identity.[5]

Statistically, in most cases the victims of gender violence are women in situations of violence carried out by men. The cases are no limited by age, social, educational or economic backgrounds. However, as stated earlier, anyone could be affected by gender violence. In Puerto Rico, this type of violence has been shown to manifest itself through domestic violence or sexual violence, especially in recent years.[6] On March 9th, the World Health Organization published statistics of violence:

· During their lifetime, 1 in 3 (30%) of women worldwide have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by their intimate partner or sexual violence outside their relationship.

· Most of the cases of violence are caused by the victim’s partner.

· Approximately 27% of women between the ages of 15 and 49 who have been in a relationship have been subjected to some form of physical and / or sexual violence by their intimate partner.[7]

We should do our part to lower violence in our society by contributing to or creating an aid plan for victims. It cannot wait, the moment is now. Things will not change unless we make the change. I personally will contribute by continuing to learn about the signs of gender violence and how to prevent them. I do so for my well-being and also that of my family. Victims of violence need to know that they are not alone, and there is hope and help out there. Together we can be a positive impact in the fight to stop not only violence against women, but also gender violence.

[1] Frequently asked questions: Types of violence against women and girls

https://www.unwomen.org/es/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/types-of-violence

[2] Violence against women

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

[3] Frequently asked questions: Types of violence against women and girls

https://www.unwomen.org/es/what-we-do/ending-violence-against-women/faqs/types-of-violence

[4] Series: What does that mean? Gender-based Violence

https://www.womenforwomen.org/blogs/series-what-does-mean-gender-based-violence

[5] Series: What does that mean? Gender-based Violence

https://www.womenforwomen.org/blogs/series-what-does-mean-gender-based-violence

[6] Guía informativa comunitaria: Violencia de Genero https://www.poderjudicial.pr/Educo/pdf/Guia-Violencia-Genero.pdf

[7] Violence against women