What is Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to people on the basis of their sex or gender. Women are primarily the victims of GBV, and men are primarily the perpetrators. GBV includes both intimate partner violence and domestic violence.

Intimate partner violence

Intimate partner violence (IPV) refers to GBV perpetrated by an intimate partner or ex-partner.

Domestic violence

Domestic violence refers to GBV perpetrated in an intimate relationship. It may be a single act or a series of acts forming a pattern of abuse and can occur in any relationship. Children and young people experience harm by being exposed to violence in adult relationships, being direct victims of violence, or a combination of the two.