Gender violence is that which is carried out by one sex towards another, that is, it can be from a man to a woman or vice versa. In general, always in cases of gender aggression, the victims are usually women. Actions in this case are classified by law as violent, are those that damage the identity, health physical and mental and welfare of the person.
Gender-based violence can occur in various aspects of life, for example in the family, at work, at the educational level, the media, in religion, etc.
The most frequent types of gender violence are:
- Physical violence: consists of taking actions that cause pain or injury to the victim, thereby affecting their physical integrity. It usually happens in family, work and personal spaces. This type of aggression can start from a simple push to an assassination attempt. It should be added that this kind of humiliation is demonstrable in court.
- Psychological violence: these are those that usually cause suffering and feelings of worthlessness in the victim. This kind of violence includes yelling, teasing, reproaching, disrespect, humiliation, keeping the victim isolated, incommunicado. Psychological violence is difficult to detect, however its consequences can be serious in the long term since it ends up damaging the mental and emotional balance of the person.
- Domestic violence: this arises within the family group and even when generally, it is from the father towards the mother; the aggressor may also be another member of the family.
- Workplace violence: are those actions of sexual harassment or discrimination within the work environment.
- Sexual violence: those that violate the will to choose how, when and where to have sexual relations.
- Gender-based violence is not the product of isolated events, since it originates in a consequent way. Most cases are not visible and arise in a private context. Women tend to remain silent for fear of exposing their sad reality, while the aggressors appear before society as subjects with an impeccable image.
Currently there are many organizations and laws that are responsible for protecting women from this type of violence; however, they are situations that have not totally disappeared from society.
It is important that women do not overlook any type of aggression, no matter how small. Above all you must value yourself and be courageous; report if you are being physically or psychologically abused.
