HOW DOES GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AFFECT WOMEN AND GIRLS?

Domestic Violence is a behavioural pattern in any relationship that involves the use of power to gain or maintain control over an intimate partner or a close person.

Research conducted by WHO on behalf of the UN interagency working on group violence against women found that worldwide nearly 1 in 3 have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate or non-partner sexual violence or both.

Abuse/violence takes a lot of forms, it can be 

• Physical abuse/violence
• Emotional abuse/violence
• Economic abuse/violence
• Psychological abuse/violence
• Sexual abuse/violence 

During COVID-19, the rate of domestic violence experienced a hike following the easy proximity of the abusers and the abused

The impact of violence against women and girls has adverse effects on the victims.

Gender-based violence can happen to anyone, it is no respecter of age, race, religion, socialization, class or gender.

It can take up any nature or form and can lead to physical injury or death in some cases.

Oftentimes, victims of abuse find it difficult to identify that they are being abused.

Some of the pointers that someone is going through domestic violence are ;

• The use of power and control to gain respect/compliance.
• The use of manipulative techniques makes one feel inadequate.
• Abusers make the abused believe they can't do without them.
• Ill-treatment 
• Talking down on one's achievement.
• Giving excuses for always hurting or inflicting pain.
• Blames one for how they feel.
• "No way out " treatment
• Forced sex.
• Prevention or restriction from doing things that make one fulfilled.
• Makes fun of another in front of friends and family.
• Name-calling
• Isolation from family and friends.
• Controls finances.
• Threatens lives/properties
   

Domestic Violence has a great impact on women and girls and at the heart of gender-based violence in Nigerian society is embedded inequality, societal norms and expectations that foster the thriving of violence against women and girls.

Some of the impact of domestic violence on women and girls includes;

• Low Self-Esteem:  there's a strong correlation between domestic violence and low self-esteem,  when women and girls are subjected to domestic violence, their esteem is put on the line.

For example;  a rape victim is faced with the challenge of being shamed and in some environments, such persons undergo stigmatization which does not promote healthy self-esteem.

In the African context, women are already faced with the challenge of patriarchy which is an enabler of low self-esteem. Gender-based violence increases the possibility of low self-esteem and confidence among women and girls.

• Mental Health issues; One study shows that the likelihood of abused women experiencing PTSD is seven times higher than for those who have not been abused.

Domestic Violence often exposes its victims to mental health challenges ranging from depression, anxiety, and post-trauma syndrome and most times leads to suicidal attempts.

In societies like the Nigerian society, most women who through abuse rarely speak up because of the strong culture of shaming associated with gender-based violence, victims are exposed to a serious buildup of mental health challenges.

The impact on their mental health is not only felt by the victims but affects their families and other relationships.
 

• Health complications; victims of domestic violence are faced with a wide range of health challenges.

Some are exposed to STIs/STDs, sexual /reproductive health issues and in most cases death.

Other impacts of Domestic Violence on women include;

• Trauma
• Lack of self-confidence.
• Poor judgement
• Unhealthy relationship pattern etc

The impact of domestic violence is far-reaching, hence the need to intensify efforts to end violence against women and girls.