Gender-Based Violence (GBV)

What will you do when you sister calls you and tells you that she has been beaten by her husband? What will you do when your daughter calls you and tells you that she has been date-raped?

Gender-based violence happens against women and childen every minute of every day.

In a study by the UN and other organisations, at least one in 10 men has raped a woman or a girl, and this usually occured during their teen years or young adulthood. Men who have the tendency to rape or beat women have had experiences of this behaviour during their childhood. In the same study, men feel they have the right to sex just because they want it – and don’t need a women’s consent. Further, men who feel they are tough (or have the physical build of of tough) need to be in control or prove their toughness as real men.

There’s a belief amongst some men that they feel the right or entitlement to control women, their sexuality and their bodies.

Abusers are masters at making their female partners feel very special and loved. When she begins to weaken her own self-protection, and starts to surrender to this false love of playful beating and teasing, the cycle of abuse begins. Violators rely on friends and family to not get involved – to ignore the bruises, tears and the brokenness. They also rely on the woman to deny that she is a victim of abuse, and she feels ashamed.

Break the silence.

Marlene Kruger, founder of APD Situational Awareness, offers tips on how to combat the cycle of abuse. Watch the video below for more.