Gender-based violence: what you need to know

‘Gender-based violence’ and ‘violence against women’ are terms used interchangeably. However, it is important to recognise that men can experience abuse from women, and abuse within same-sex relationships happens at similar rates to heterosexual relationships.

That said, it has been widely acknowledged that the majority of people affected by gender-based violence are women and girls. This is due to the unequal distribution of power in society between women and men. Women have fewer options and fewer resources to avoid abusive situations and seek justice. They also face challenges to their sexual and reproductive health, including forced and unwanted pregnancies, sexual assault, unsafe abortions, traumatic fistula, female genital mutilation (FGM), and higher risks of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and HIV.

Youth for Change works in the UK, Tanzania, and Bangladesh. We focus on three areas under gender-based violence; child/early forced marriage, FGM, and sexual consent.

Educating young people on sexual consent prevents gender-based violence. Consent is about communication. And it should happen every time. Giving consent for one activity, one time does not mean giving consent for increased or recurring sexual contact. Having sex with someone in the past doesn’t give that person permission to have sex with you again in the future.

At the heart of consent is the idea that every person has a right to their own body. This basic principle applies to all forms of gender-based violence. Including FGM and forced marriage.