Gender-based violence is any kind of violence motivated by the way a person constructs and expresses her gender identity. In other words, it is when someone disrespects another because of his or her gender vulnerability. And if gender can turn some people more vulnerable than others, it means that there are unequal gender relations.
But what are unequal gender relations? First, it is important to understand that still today there is a supposedly universal model of masculinity. When we talk about masculine, that’s what we are talking about.
If “masculine” is the rule to which the rest is molded, the ones with different identities and gender expressions are more vulnerable. That’s the reason why, in general, gender-based violence is committed by men, and the victims are usually groups formed by women, gays, lesbians, cross-dressers, transgenders, bisexuals, and others. Often, these people’s vulnerability increases when they don’t follow a standard considered as “normal” or “natural”.
This may happen because of their clothes, behavior, people who they have relationships with or the way they have a relationship. It is important to understand that the expression “gender-based violence” may refer to violence committed by a man against a woman but also violence committed by a man against another man. When, for example, a person doesn’t fit in the femininity or masculinity standards and suffers violence because of that.
Sexual violence is an emblematic form of gender-based violence, and it is not restricted to having forced sexual intercourse. It may be, for example: Forcing someone to watch, maintain or participate of a sexual intercourse; Depriving someone to use contraceptive methods or forcing someone to get married, to get pregnant, to have an abortion or to prostitute him/herself. If the husband maintains sexual relations with his wife against her will or without her consent, it may be considered rape.
Besides, the occurrence of physical violence isn’t necessary, neither the use of strength, for it to be considered sexual violence. When a person touches another inappropriately on the bus, for example, it is considered sexual violence. Finally, there are also other acts, more subtle and very common that could be considered a gender-based violence: If someone controls the way you dress, saying your clothes are too short, sexy or gay, it is also a violence.
If someone doesn’t accept when you try to end a relationship, and threatens you, it is also violence. If someone monitors your text messages, your cellphone or your profile on a social network, it is also a violence. Remember: your best defense is your knowledge.
You can’t be disrespected because of the way you express your gender identity. This is violence, and it is your right to denounce.
