Theme of the Month - Gender-Based Violence
Theme of the Month: Gender-Based Violence
What is Gender-Based Violence?
Gender-based violence is when someone is harmed, threatened, controlled or treated badly because of their gender.
It can affect anyone, and everyone has the right to feel safe, respected and comfortable at home, at school, at work, online and in their community.
What Can It Look Like?
Gender-based violence and harmful behaviour can include:
Bullying or harassment because of someone's gender.
Threatening or intimidating behaviour that makes someone feel frightened or unsafe.
Controlling behaviour, such as telling someone who they can speak to, where they can go or what they can do.
Physical violence, such as deliberately hurting someone.
Online abuse, including threatening, bullying, repeatedly contacting or trying to control someone through social media or messaging.
Stalking or unwanted attention, including repeatedly following or contacting someone when they have been asked to stop.
Abuse within families or relationships, including behaviour intended to frighten, control or harm another person.
Harmful practices, such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
Recognising Unhealthy Behaviour
It is important to know the difference between respectful and harmful behaviour.
Warning signs could include someone:
Regularly frightening, threatening or intimidating another person.
Trying to control who someone can be friends with.
Constantly checking someone's phone, messages or social media.
Preventing someone from spending time with friends or family.
Repeatedly contacting someone after being asked to stop.
Making someone feel unsafe because of their gender.
Everyone should be treated with kindness and respect. Controlling, threatening or abusive behaviour is never acceptable.
Staying Safe Online
Gender-based abuse can also happen online. Remember to protect your personal information, use privacy settings and be careful about who you communicate with.
If someone sends you threatening or upsetting messages, repeatedly contacts you or makes you feel uncomfortable online, you should speak to a trusted adult rather than dealing with it on your own.
Getting Help and Support
If something has happened to you, or you are worried about someone else, you are not to blame and you do not have to deal with it alone.
Speak to an adult you trust, such as a parent or carer, teacher, tutor or safeguarding member of staff. They can listen to you and help you access the right support.
