Gender-based Violence Research Articles

The security implications of using feminist methodologies to study gender-based violence in Yemen

IntroductionThis paper examines the political and security implications of gender-based violence (GBV) research in Yemen during the period (2019–2023). As various radical groups are gaining power over Yemeni land, radical views toward women and gender equity and equality shape the experiences of GBV survivors, practitioners, and researchers in the North of Yemen. Policing Houthi ideologies in Yemen have curtailed GBV research and subjected feminist research to myriad risks. If this situation continues, experiences of women and girls in Yemen will not be captured by research. Their stories and needs will not be captured by humanitarian and peace-building actors.MethodologyFindings of this study are based on primary data from key informant interviews with 25 GBV researchers actively engaged in Yemen. Sampling followed the snowballing technique.ResultsThe findings examine political and security power dynamics after the Houthi radical group took control in the north of Yemen, and implications on GBV research design. Anti-feminist ideologies coupled with extreme security measures have impacted quality of GBV study methodologies as well as researchers' safety and mobility. Donors of previously established GBV programs and research were harassed to change research topics or lose permission to speak to local communities or collect data from aid beneficiaries. Researchers who do not follow new rules of engagement with the community are detained, harassed and their devices and databases are confiscated. Terms like “gender” and “GBV” are not deemed acceptable as these are western concepts that do not align with new community values. The findings highlight the need to use conflict-sensitivity and Do No Harm principles in settings where GBV work is scrutinized. It also challenges the orthodox definition of “GBV evidence” and explores the ethical implications of the use of alternative means to collecting data. Findings also provide insight into valuable alternative methodologies that allow local and national researchers to continue studying GBV in conflict impacted areas without exposing themselves to actual or perceived risk. The paper proposes concrete approaches that can mitigate political and security risk on both researchers and GBV survivors.

Hear our voices: The perceptions and experiences of women who are Deaf on gender-based violence

Background: While all women are at risk of gender-based violence (GBV), it is essential to acknowledge that women are not a homogenous group and that women who are Deaf may experience GBV differently. This study aimed to answer the question: What are the perceptions and experiences of GBV among women who are Deaf?Objectives: The study’s objectives were to explore and describe these women’s understanding of GBV terminology, their perceptions of GBV and challenges regarding support strategies in place to respond to their unique circumstances.Method: A qualitative study with four workshops was conducted with 60 participants. The data collected were analysed using thematic analysis.Results: The results yielded three themes that intrinsically spoke to women’s understanding of GBV terminology, perception of GBV and challenges accessing support. The results highlight that women who are Deaf are at a greater risk of GBV. Participants emphasised the importance of exploring the perceptions of GBV among men who are Deaf. Findings also indicated women’s challenges when seeking support.Conclusion: The findings underscore the necessity of offering specific assistance to Deaf women facing GBV. Based on the study findings, it can be concluded that those providing support in GBV matters should receive specialised training in GBV, including Deaf culture and South African sign language.Contribution: The study findings contribute to the field of disability and the development of effective GBV strategies and programmes that are inclusive of women who are Deaf within a South African context.

Effects of early marriage among women married before reaching 18 years old (qualitative study approach)

BackgroundThe consequences of early marriage have become a global concern for young women. The detrimental effects of early marriage disproportionately affect girls. Regarding its effects in poor nations like Ethiopia, there is a dearth of data. As a result, this study offers baseline, first-hand, and updated information for both the nation and the study area.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of early marriage on Guji women who were married before the age of 18.MethodsThis qualitative study used a phenomenological approach and was carried out from January to April 2024. An in-depth interview technique was employed to collect the data. The interviews were conducted in the Oromo language. A purposive sampling technique was applied to choose the study participants. A total of 25 women who met the eligibility criteria were selected. A thematic data analysis approach was employed to analyze the data in this study.ResultsThree themes, 10 subthemes, and more than hundreds of codes were extracted after the interview data were analyzed. The main themes and subthemes of this study were as follows: 1-Precipitators of early marriage (abduction and arranged marriage); 2-Consequences of early marriage (emotional damage, moral damage, early marriage is a risk factor for maternal and child health, early marriage is a major cause for girls to drop out of school, poverty, gender-based violence and divorce, lack of essential life skills); and 3-Attitudes toward early marriage (early marriage is a harmful cultural practice; girls should be protected).ConclusionThe study’s findings illustrated the multidimensional effect of early marriage, necessitating the involvement of numerous sectors and stakeholders. The community, religious leaders, the health, education, and legal sectors, as well as the parents of young girls, should all take an active role in delaying early marriage. This indicates the development of policies that permit cooperation amongst all relevant parties. Creating awareness among girls, families, and the community through community-based education is crucial. Early married women should participate in intervention programs to provide their experience to young girls. Women who are victims of early marriage must receive full support to mitigate its negative consequences.

The Health Effects of Gender-Based Violence in Conflict

The Article Abstract is not available

A feminist legal analysis of non-consensual sexualized deepfakes: contextualizing its impact as AI-generated image-based violence under EU law

ABSTRACT This article focuses on the legal contextualization of the generation of fake audiovisual sexual content based on replacing and shuffling facial or voice data using artificial intelligence (AI) technology without the previous consent, commonly known as ‘non-consensual sexualized deepfakes'. The legal analysis will be limited to examination of the impact of non-consensual sexualized deepfakes on the gender equality spectrum and gender-based violence context. For this reason, the analysis will be built upon the European AI Act – the applied legal framework when AI software is used – the European Directive on combating violence against women and domestic violence (GBV Directive) – which criminalizes the generation of sexualized deepfakes – and the Digital Service Act (DSA) – the legislative framework regulating online platforms, where mostly sexualized deepfakes are distributed. To better understand how sexualized deepfakes are generated, we will examine their generation and detection techniques through a short overview from a technical lens. The methodology used is built on the feminist critical approach – based on the ‘King Kong’ theory and abolitionist feminism – to the doctrinal analysis of the relevant European legislation. After having captured the harms of deepfake technology, legal solutions will be provided through this cross-disciplinary perspective.

Advancing Nursing Education Through an Intersectionality-Framed Approach: An Exemplar With Women Living at the Epicentre of Gender-Based Violence, Climate Crises, Racism, and Migration Status

Advancing Nursing Education Through an Intersectionality-Framed Approach: An Exemplar With Women Living at the Epicentre of Gender-Based Violence, Climate Crises, Racism, and Migration Status

“Whenever I help her, I am also expecting her vagina in return”: a qualitative analysis to explore men’s and adolescent girls’ perceptions of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexual behaviour and health of adolescent girls in rural western Kenya

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic caused school closures, which intensified the negative sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of adolescent girls in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), including increases in transactional sexual partnerships, gender-based violence,...

Finding the Nexus between Gender-Based Violence and Conservation

This review paper explores the complex and multifaceted relationship between gender-based violence (GBV) and conservation efforts, emphasizing the interconnected challenges faced by rural communities. It analyzes how GBV undermines conservation outcomes by limiting women’s participation, eroding traditional ecological knowledge, exacerbating resource exploitation, and weakening community resilience. Drawing on case studies from Northern Ghana, India, and Tanzania, the paper highlights how environmental issues such as resource scarcity, displacement, and conservation-related conflicts increase the vulnerability of women to GBV. The review also discusses strategies for addressing these challenges, including empowering women, integrating gender considerations into conservation policies, and creating safe environments for participation. Finally, it calls for more research into the links between GBV and conservation, urging the development of targeted interventions that address the root causes of both GBV and environmental degradation. By integrating gender-sensitive approaches, conservation initiatives can achieve more equitable and sustainable outcomes for all community members. Keywords: Gender Equality, Women's Empowerment, Social Cohesion, Ecological Knowledge, Sustainable Resource Management

Canadian Strategy Against Gender-Based Violence and Gaps

Promoting the Essential Services Package (ESP) for Women and Girls Subject to Violence has led to an emphasis on legislative commitments to a survivor-centred strategy. Such legislation includes provisions for fiscal planning, standards of services, and official programs to support networks of community-based interventions to build capacity, share information, and co-generate knowledge across regions. This study identifies gaps in the Canadian strategy against gender-based violence in the operation of mechanisms for coordinating multi-sectoral trauma-informed “wrap-around” services that prioritize survivors in their distinct and diverse contexts and communities. It also recommends ways to transform the Canadian strategy in a global context.

Representation of Violence Against Female Characters in Indonesian Horror Novels

This study explores the representation of violence against female characters in Indonesian horror novels, examining how these portrayals reflect societal views on gender and power. By analyzing three popular novels, the research focuses on types of violence—physical, psychological, and symbolic—that female characters experience, aiming to uncover how these depictions critique patriarchal norms. Employing a descriptive qualitative approach, the study uses textual analysis alongside a feminist narrative framework to interpret recurring themes and patterns within these narratives. Findings reveal that, while female characters are often portrayed as victims, they also demonstrate moments of resistance and agency, challenging traditional roles and societal expectations. This ambivalent portrayal highlights both the vulnerability and resilience of women, offering insights into the complex dynamics of gender in Indonesian culture. The study concludes that Indonesian horror novels serve as a powerful medium for social critique, using horror to comment on issues of gender-based violence and the potential for women to disrupt oppressive structures. This research emphasizes the role of literature in reflecting and challenging societal norms, particularly regarding the representation of women.

Gender Perspective in the Recent Case Law of the Inter-American Court of Human Rights

Abstract For more than a dozen years, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights (IACtHR) has paid special attention to cases involving gender-based violence and gender stereotypes. These two phenomena are closely linked, as prejudices, beliefs, cultural values and discriminatory stereotypes can be one of the factors that legitimise violence. Gender-based violence is directed against individuals because of their gender, particularly women and girls, and takes many forms. The purpose of this article is to provide an analysis of the evolution of the practice of the IACtHR from a gender perspective, based on selected judgments and advisory opinions. Each of these decisions addresses different aspects of the lives of individuals and concerns the groups that are most vulnerable to human rights violations. The common denominator is that the Court’s work contains, to a greater or lesser extent, an element of novelty or indication of new trends.

Across landscapes and lifespan: causes and solutions of gender-based violence from survivors of sexual violence against women and girls (VAWG)

ABSTRACT Violence Against Women and Girls has become a focus of sexual violence prevention policy, but how do survivors relate to this framing? This study listened to 13 survivors across 3 focus groups in one UK region. Questions focused on sexual violence terminology, settings and perceptions of safety. Challenges around reporting and policy revisions were discussed. Thematic analysis highlighted a discrepancy between how survivors experience sexual violence and how policy frames it, notably around structural gender inequality drivers and the scope and span of sexual harassment. Participant's solutions focused on prevention through education across institutions, targeting boys and men. Clear evidence of a justice gap was illustrated through lived experience of reporting, many felt their own vulnerability made them both a target and a less credible victim. Survivors outlined what they needed from reporting mechanisms recognising the span of gender-based violence across the landscapes and lifetimes of these survivors. PRACTICE IMPACT STATEMENT This qualitative study speaks to the accounts of a small group of sexual violence survivors who felt their experiences should be addressed through a wider structural gender inequality lens. They felt prevention through education should focus on males and span institutions. Their experiences of all-encompassing, lower-level harassment should be captured through supportive and compassionate reporting mechanisms but the police need to earn back trust.

Gynecological health care services utilization and violence among female sex workers in Togo in 2021.

Female Sex Workers (FSW) in Sub Saharan Africa face multiple challenges increasing their vulnerability to poor health, particularly poor sexual and reproductive (SRH) health outcomes and violence. The aim of this study was to assess the use of gynecology health care services and factors associated with its use as well as experiences of violence among FSW in Togo. A cross-sectional study was carried out in 2021 among FSW in two cities of Togo. A snowball sampling method was used and initial seeds were identified in each site in collaboration with FSW non-governmental organizations. A logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with the use of a SRH service and violence. A total of 447 FSW with a median age of 30 [IQR: (24-38)] participated in this study and 43.4% of them had reached at least secondary school. Among them, 29.1% reported having been to a gynecological consultation over the previous year. Factors associated with a gynecological consultation included: living in the Lomé capital city (aOR = 0.35, 95%CI 0.22-0.54), and an experience of condom breakage or slippage (aOR = 2.00; 95%CI 1.19-2.64). The majority reported at least one lifetime pregnancy (87.9%), 39.8% reported ever having an unintended pregnancy and 67.6% of them ever had an abortion. Finally, 61.1% indicated being victims of physical, sexual, or emotional violence in the previous six months. Sex workers living in Lomé (aOR = 1.78; 95%CI 1.16-2.73); a history of abortion (aOR = 1.53; 95%CI 1.03-2.31) and having more than 15 clients per week (aOR = 4.87; 95% CI 1.99-11.94), were more likely to experience violence. There is an under-utilization of health care services among FSW in Togo in addition to overall poor sexual and reproductive health outcomes with a high prevalence of gender-based violence. Those results highlight the importance of continued advocacy for the integration of SRH care with HIV prevention services geared toward FSW as well as a holistic approach to SRH care with innovative ways to prevent violence.

VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMAN IN EKA KURNIAWAN’S NOVEL CANTIK ITU LUKA

This study delves into the theme of violence against women in Eka Kurniawan's novel Cantik Itu Luka based on gender roles and violence experienced by women during and after Japan's periods of pre-independence and post-independence. The study aims to identify and analyze the various forms of violence and the underlying factors contributing to social deviance towards the protagonist, utilizing theoretical framework of cultural forms of violence by means of descriptive qualitative research to uncover the social phenomena of violence against women. The study concludes that the novel provides a profound exploration of gender-based violence, encompassing direct, structural, and cultural dimensions of violence. The protagonist embodies the trauma of direct violence witnessed during the Japanese occupation, highlighting the gender-based discrimination prevalent against women. Structural violence is evident in societal disparities, while cultural violence permeates the narrative through deeply rooted attitudes and beliefs. The novel also delves into various aspects of discrimination faced by female characters in educational, domestic, and professional settings. The intertwining of historical contexts and personal stories within the novel serves as a potent commentary on women's ongoing struggles for justice and the enduring effects of discrimination. Ultimately, Cantik Itu Luka emerges as a poignant exploration of the intricate layers of gender-based violence and the resilience exhibited by women in confronting oppression.

Gender and migration: A continuum of gender-based violence echoing across the Sinai Desert and into Israel

Gender-based violence (GBV) is widespread globally and is based on social roles. These social roles represent society’s expectations of men and women carrying out stereotyped functions and behaviours. These gendered social expectations vary across culture, space and time. Drawing from an empirical study in Israel and building on the previous literature on these issues, this qualitative and interdisciplinary article identifies various forms of GBV along Eritrean women’s journey from their home country into Israel. The empirical work helps to examine the findings of previous theoretical studies. This article establishes that there is a continuum of violence for women, especially refugees and asylum seekers, rooted in the standard system of oppression – patriarchy. This has triggered the flight and trafficking of refugees from Eritrea through the Sinai Desert and into Israel. The article argues that structural and cultural violence emanating from both the hosted community and the host community play significant roles in allowing the circumstances for GBV to thrive throughout the entire refugee cycle. What can be seen is the creation of multiple layers of vulnerabilities, particularly the specific social–legal–economic marginalization of segments of the population, including Eritrean asylum-seeking women. Reacting to this continuum of violence, many participants in the study argued that it was necessary to adopt strategies to create a continuum of resilience and resistance grounded on women’s sorority, support and agency.

How grammatical constructions contribute to responsibility attribution in GBV coverage: a corpus-assisted study

Abstract The portrayal of key participants in gender-based violence (GBV) by the media has been analyzed as ideologically driven by critical discourse analysis (CDA) scholars. Nevertheless, previous studies of media coverage of GBV cases with a CDA approach were confined to qualitative analysis while quantitative evidence was lacking and were perpetrator-oriented without the victim’s perspectives. Addressing these gaps, this study conducted a case analysis of four British newspapers, each representing different political inclinations. Results revealed that the political inclinations did not influence media’s preference for certain constructions. However, the perpetrator was ascribed with a much greater degree of agency in high frequency active constructions. Even in passive and nominal constructions, he was specified more frequently than deleted, contradicting most previous research indicating that the perpetrators were often deleted to conjure away responsibility. We also verified the significance of the context particularly in interpreting the agentless passive and nominal constructions. Further research from diachronic and reader-oriented perspectives should bring more converging evidence.

Interrogating Impediments to Women Participation in Political Leadership among the Abagusii in Post-Colonial Kenya

The trend on elective political positions in the Gusii region shows that, women have not been getting equal opportunities as their male counterparts in elective seats of members of parliament, the seats of the governor, senator and members of county assembly in the counties in Gusii region. The objective of the study was to establish challenges to women participation in political leadership among the Abagusii Community from 1963 up to 2015. The study was guided by the feminist theory. According to this theory, the discrepancies in the decision-making in societies emerge from a social framework that espouses inequality. This study was based on qualitative approach and phenomenological design. The target population was made up of 682,481 women participants from the 8 Sub-Counties and 29 wards in Kisii County from where a sample size of 422 respondents was sampled purposively. The research instruments were interviews and focused group discussions from key informants. Archival sources were used as well as secondary data from books, articles published in journals and periodicals, unpublished articles and newspapers. Piloting was carried out in Kisii County on 10% of the sample size to test dependability and credibility. The data was analyzed thematically and presented qualitatively in the narrative form. The findings of this study are that cultural factors, stereotyping of women, economic factors, political barriers, lack of husband support, stigmatization, and gender-based violence are among the factors that have contributed to low participation of women in political leadership among the Abagusii community. The recommendations of the study were change in cultural perception towards women, gender equality awareness, emphasis on women empowerment and amendment of political party policies this will bring gender equality in leadership among the Abagusii

A Cross Community Comparison of Muting in Conversations of Gendered Violence on Reddit

Gender-based violence (GBV) is an ongoing public health issue. Prevention practice and research on GBV contend with an incomplete understanding of its public health burden due to gender-exclusive definitions of GBV and inhibited survivor disclosure. Prior work in CSCW and HCI has explored sensitive disclosures and GBV conversations but excludes examination of conversation dynamics in surfacing knowledge of GBV. We used a mixed-methods approach to understand the phenomenon characterized by Muted Group Theory as a mechanism inhibiting disclosure in the context of GBV discussions on Reddit. Using an iterative process informed by literature of GBV research on cis-gender women, girls, trans, and non-binary populations, we developed comprehensive keywords to obtain, annotate, and analyze 298 posts and 10,369 comments about GBV across 7 subreddits. We found that muting faced by survivors offline, precluding reporting, is replicated on the Reddit platform. This study surfaced 5 categories of muting in discussions of GBV situated by variations in communication norms between dominant and non-dominant groups. These findings were supported by analysis of linguistic attributes that inform an Ensemble Classifier's detection of muting in conversations of GBV. The results offer that muting is a harmful occurrence in online disclosures of GBV that is mediated by existing moderation practices. This work contributes an expanded understanding of GBV conversations online, muting as a feature of those conversations, and an initial foray into detection to inform muting prevention.

Influence of COVAW Capacity Building on Gender-Based Violence Program Performance in Narok County, Kenya

Purpose: The study explores the influence of employee capacity building on the performance of gender-based violence (GBV) programs in Narok County, Kenya. The specific objectives include examining the effect of leadership style, the impact of community empowerment on program effectiveness, the role of resource allocation, and the influence of organizational innovation on program outcomes. Methodology: Utilizing a descriptive survey design grounded in modernization theory and performance and human capital theory, the research targets full-time staff from ten GBV programs operated by COVAW. A sample of 92 respondents is collected through convenience and stratified sampling techniques, incorporating both community participants and program personnel. Data collection employs interview schedules and semi-structured questionnaires, with quantitative data analyzed using SPSS software and qualitative data thematically analyzed. Findings: Findings reveal a prevailing democratic leadership style that fosters collaboration; however, community empowerment faces challenges due to inadequate integration and mobilization. The study concludes that there is a significant interconnectedness among leadership, community engagement, resource management, and organizational adaptability in enhancing GBV program performance. Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Recommendations include adopting diverse leadership styles, strengthening community engagement, and optimizing resource management practices to ensure the sustainability and impact of GBV initiatives.

Envisioning the Future of Burnout Support: Understanding Frontline Workers' Experiences in Nonprofit Gender-Based Violence Organizations

Frontline workers (FLWs) provide essential services necessary for a functioning society, but the nature of their work contributes to their high rates of burnout. This burnout impacts not only their own health, but also has dire consequences for the people most in need of their services. Digital interventions for burnout may provide scalable, accessible, and cost-effective care. However, such interventions have been designed to intervene at the individual-level and have been inadequate in sustainably alleviating burnout. In addition, these interventions have not considered how we might integrate more effective organizational-level strategies or reflect FLWs' own experiences and the unique contexts of frontline work in their design. One important, yet understudied, domain of frontline work that experiences high rates of burnout is gender-based violence (GBV) service provision in nonprofit organizations. Using a community-based participatory research approach, we ran 8 co-design workshops with FLWs and supervisors from various nonprofit GBV organizations in a large metropolitan city in the United States to understand their experiences, hopes, and perceptions of technology for burnout support within their organizations. We found that participants greatly valued their support systems and supervisory relationships at work. And while there was a desire to use technology as support tools for burnout, participants were wary of how it could conflict with these support systems and important organizational values. We contribute a multilevel framework for digital burnout interventions and argue for a methodological shift to an assets-based approach, reframing the future of research and design of burnout interventions to center and reflect the needs, values, and lived experiences of FLWs.