What is gendered violence?

Gendered violence refers to violence that is specifically directed at individuals based on their gender. This type of violence recognizes the social and cultural context in which gender roles and identities are constructed, and it often reflects power imbalances between genders. It includes various forms of abuse, such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment, and is typically rooted in societal norms and attitudes about gender.

The concept of gendered violence emphasizes that certain individuals are disproportionately affected by violence due to their gender identity and societal expectations. For instance, women and gender minorities often face higher risks of sexual and domestic violence compared to men. Understanding this violence in relation to gender helps in developing targeted prevention strategies and policies to address the underlying causes rather than viewing it as random or universal across all genders equally.