Gender-Based Violence in Higher Education: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Background: The phenomenon of gender-based violence is a global phenomenon that affects women negatively, including those in higher education. The scourge of gender-based violence has been highlighted in numerous studies and statistics have shown that instead of decreasing, the incidence thereof is rising. Aim: To critically analyse research that has been conducted to understand the phenomenon of gender-based violence in higher education. Methodology: The revised integrative review protocol of Whittemore and Knafl was employed in the analysis. A comprehensive search was undertaken for gender-based violence in higher education research conducted and published between 2010 and 2021. Literature indexes in CINAHL, Medline, Proquest and Pubmed were searched. Search terms were gender-based, violence, and higher education. The integrative approach was used to conduct the methodological review. A sample of 12 research articles and reports that met the inclusion criteria were analysed. A systematic iterative method was employed to extract and reduce the data in order to draw conclusions. Results: Factors leading to gender-based violence, its effects on the victim and methods to eliminate its occurrence were revealed by the analysis. Conclusion: Becoming aware of factors contributing to gender-based violence and strategies to address this scourge can minimise the occurrence of gender-based violence in higher education institutions. Contribution: Understanding the concepts and strategies to prevent the occurrence of gender-based violence can assist higher education institutions to minimise these incidences.