Shocking Tourist Assault in Vancouver Sparks Urgent Debate on Hidden Epidemic of Gender-Based Violence
Image credits: Ashley Judd
This week I spoke on gender-based violence and how it impacts women and girls around the world. The rise of gender-based violence from the covert, small humiliations to grave bodily damage impacts not just the individual but an entire family, a community, a country, our world — it impacts all of us. Sexual violence pervasiveness constrains human development, and economic and geopolitical progress. We must end male entitlement to female bodies, it is that simple and it is that complex.
Posted by Ashley Judd on Wednesday, September 20, 2023
While we currently lack the reliable comparable historical and cross-cultural data needed to define and identify gender-based attacks happening worldwide, Leonora mentioned that many countries are starting to get better at documenting these incidents.
And when it comes to these attacks on women, misogyny is a huge part of a suspect’s motivation.
“Misogyny operates in a spectrum, from seemingly innocent racialized gender stereotypes to blatant forms of men’s hatred of women, as well as women’s complicity and alliance with patriarchal norms and practices,” Leonara shared.
While this specific attack with Stephanie occurred between her and a stranger, research has continuously shown that gender-based violence happens more frequently between intimates or people who know one another.
Misogyny is so deeply rooted in our system and it fuels these types of attacks
Image credits: Freepik
“Men and boys, both children and teenagers, can also [be] victims of such violence, often perpetrated by other men and also by some women and girls,” she added.
In cases of r–pe, Leonara also debunked the misconception that s–xual gratification is the only motivator for male-perpetrated violence, saying, “Ultimately, it has to do with male power, domination, and sense of entitlement in access to female bodies, which are at the root of misogynistic practices.”
At the end of the day, asking for help is never easy. But Leonara has offered a few solutions for any victims of these kinds of attacks — because even with more conversation and safety measures implemented in certain cities and countries, these incidents still seem to continue.
For those able to help, whether that responsibility falls on authorities or a friend who has the power to tell police, it’s important to make sure victims don’t feel any shame, denial, or trauma when discussing what happened.
Image credits: Kalea Morgan / Unsplash
“Although there is increased awareness and sensitivity to the needs of victims of gender-based violence, there are still members of the police, judicial, legal, and health professionals who lack sensitivity in dealing with such cases, thus frustrating many investigations and prosecution of such cases,” Leonara said.
According to statistics in North America, gender-based violence is sadly on the rise, with intimate partner violence taking the top spot.
To effectively prevent this from further increasing, various websites state to address the root causes and promote a culture of respect and equality — which is much easier said than done, but the simple act of reading up on studies and educating oneself can make a huge difference.
If you or someone you know is struggling with domestic violence, help is available. The Safe And Together Institute provides international domestic violence resources.
A discussion sparked following safety and domestic violence
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