What is GBV?
In line with the Scottish Government’s Equally Safe definition, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is a spectrum of violence and abuse which can be psychological, physical, emotional and/or sexual. These can take place in physical and/or digital spaces. GBV occurs across all-levels of society and is a function of gender inequality. GBV is overwhelmingly, but not exclusively, carried out by men against women and while it predominantly affects women and girls, it impacts everyone.
Examples include, but are not limited to:
- Coercive control
- Commercial sexual exploitation
- Domestic abuse
- Financial control
- Murder
- Rape and sexual assault
- So-called ‘honour-based’ abuse - such as female genital mutilation and forced marriage
- Stalking and harassment
GBV has significant and long-lasting impacts on victim/survivors. Examples include, but are not limited to, increased risk of:
- Death
- Developing mental and physical health difficulties
- Economic struggles due to losing employment
- Homelessness
- Social isolation
- Suicide
(World Health Organisation)
If you have been subjected to GBV and need support, please visit the support section of our website.
