GBV Only Happens to Women:
While it’s true that women and girls are disproportionately affected by gender-based violence, it’s important to recognize that men, boys, and non-binary individuals can also be victims. GBV can happen to anyone, regardless of their gender.
GBV is Only Physical:
Many people think GBV is only about physical abuse. However, it also includes emotional, psychological, and sexual abuse, as well as economic control. All these forms can be equally damaging and often go unnoticed because they don’t leave visible scars.
GBV is a Private Family Matter:
Some believe that GBV is a personal issue that should be resolved within the family. This misconception prevents victims from seeking help and allows the abuse to continue. GBV is a serious crime and a human rights violation that affects the entire community, and it requires a collective response.
Victims Can Easily Leave Abusive Situations:
It’s a common belief that victims can simply walk away from their abusers. However, leaving an abusive relationship is often incredibly difficult due to fear, financial dependency, emotional attachment, and threats of further violence. Victims need support and resources to safely escape and rebuild their lives.
Victims Must Have Done Something to Deserve It:
Blaming the victim is a harmful and false notion. No one ever deserves to be abused, regardless of their behavior, clothing, or actions. Abuse is always the fault of the abuser, not the victim.
GBV Only Happens in Certain Cultures or Socioeconomic Groups:
GBV crosses all cultural, economic, and social boundaries. It can happen to anyone, anywhere. Stereotyping certain groups as more prone to violence only diverts attention from the universal nature of the problem and hinders efforts to address it effectively.
Alcohol and Drugs Cause GBV:
While substance abuse can exacerbate violent behavior, it is not the root cause of GBV. The underlying cause is the perpetrator’s desire for power and control over the victim. Addressing substance abuse is important, but it won’t solve the problem of GBV on its own.
Why Understanding These Misconceptions Matters
Recognizing and challenging these misconceptions is crucial in creating a supportive environment for victims and working towards eliminating GBV. When society has a more accurate understanding of GBV, we can better support survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and implement effective prevention and intervention strategies.