What is Gender-Based Violence? (GBV)

UN Women’s definition of gender-based violence (GBV) is:

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at an individual or group of individuals based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. The term is primarily used to underscore the fact that structural, gender-based power differentials place women and girls at risk for multiple forms of violence. The term is also sometimes used to describe targeted violence against LGBTQI+ populations, when referencing violence related to norms of masculinity/femininity and/or gender norms (2022).

"It is the types of abuse that women, girls, Two Spirit, trans, and non-binary people are at highest risk of experiencing” (Canadian Women’s Foundation).

Types of Gender-Based Violence: