FEATURES OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP WITH UNDERLYING GENDER INEQUALITIES

Background: Gender violence is a global issue that can affect anyone or any household as it is not confined to any religious, ethnic or income group. In fact it is a cultural issue, as stated by the United Nation declaration on the elimination of violence against women (December 1993): “Violence against women is a manifestation of historically unequal powers between men and women which have led to domination over and discrimination against women by men”. Objective: This poster aims to provide background knowledge about gender violence and guidance on how to identify, manage and prevent this harrowing and pervasive phenomenon. Method: Following a review of the most recent literature and guidelines on gender violence, this poster will discuss the foundations and main unique features of gender violence (the control over women: objectification, cycle of violence, isolation, victimization, under reporting of violence and coping mechanisms, reasons women do not leave a violent partner). It will explore the beliefs and inequalities which fundamentally underpin gender based violence. Results: Gender based violence is the product of inequality and unequal powers between the main gender groups and subgroups. Literature shows that given their biological differences, women and men are still not perceived or treated as worthy of equal rights. This perspective can easily lead to objectification and street harassment that can escalate to humiliation and degradation, ending with assault and violence. Conclusion: education of health providers about this peculiar form of violence is the first step toward effective management and prevention of domestic and gender violence.