Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at an individual or a group of individuals based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms.
The term is primarily used to describe the fact that structural, gender-based power differentials place women and girls at risk of multiple forms of violence.
Whilst women and girls suffer disproportionately from GBV, men and boys can also be targeted. The term is also sometimes used to describe targeted violence against LGBTQI+ populations when referencing violence related to attitudes towards masculinity, femininity and gender.
See the European Commission’s page on Gender-Based Violence for more information and examples of GBV.
Click here for the NHS Scotland Gender-Based Violence Policy.
