Gender violence has existed as a legal term since 1993. It refers to any act of violence within a relationship that results in sexual, psychological, or physical harm, as well as threats or deprivation of liberty, simply because the victim is considered inferior.
Some examples of gender violence include abuse by former partners, forced marriages, sexual violence, genital mutilation, prostitution, and human trafficking.
In this article, we will examine some of the most commonly mentioned statements about gender violence, analyzing whether they are true or false:
- The abusive man usually suffers from a mental disorder.
This is a very common myth in society, suggesting that the abuser generally has some kind of disorder, a history of childhood abuse, or substance abuse such as alcohol or drugs. However, this is not always the case, nor is it a determining factor for someone to commit abuse.
What is true is that ALL abusers view their victim as inferior and resort to violence to dominate them. Proof of this is that if you consider your partner an equal, or even suspect they might hurt you, no level of disagreement would ever justify abuse.
- Gender violence does not psychologically affect the women who suffer it.
Without exception, the reality is that gender violence significantly affects the victim’s life, whether man or woman. It can lead to serious consequences such as depression, fear, anxiety, low self-esteem, and physical harm that may result in even more severe outcomes affecting overall health. - Gender violence only happens to certain types of women.
No, this is completely false. Gender violence can happen to anyone, regardless of gender. It can affect the most intelligent or the least educated person. There is no specific profile or pattern for victims.
The problem lies with the aggressor and a society that allows such harm, not with the person who suffers it.
- If a woman does not leave her abuser, it is because she likes what is happening.
This is not always the case. Many people wonder why someone would tolerate abuse, but it is not a matter of preference or masochism. In most cases, victims endure abuse due to social pressure and imposed patterns, such as:
“If you leave your marriage, you are a failure,” “If you don’t have children, you are not fulfilled,” “If you are a man and you are abused, what kind of man are you?” “You will be alone for the rest of your life if you leave your home,” “If you are abused, you should endure it,” or “You were born to cook, clean, and take care of your husband—if he hits you, you deserve it.”
As a result, many victims choose to endure what they should not and live in true suffering rather than leave their aggressor and end the violence.
- Women are the victims and men are the aggressors.
For many years, some narratives have portrayed women as fragile beings and always victims of strong, dominant men responsible for aggression.
However, this is not entirely accurate. Many women are strong, capable of working and managing their households, just as many men are caring and cooperative both at work and at home.
Therefore, generalizations should be avoided, and society should promote clear standards that reject all forms of violent behavior.
- Women should be controlled and kept in their place.
Historically, men have been taught to dominate women, reinforcing inequality and even justifying the use of force when expectations are not met.
Is this normal? Absolutely not. What is normal is to foster independent individuals who can make their own decisions and live in equality, without harming or oppressing anyone.
- Violence occurs because men fear women’s empowerment.
Gender violence does not increase simply because women become more independent and autonomous. This is completely false. While some argue that certain social dynamics generate conflict, violence is never justified as a reaction to equality or empowerment.
Violence is not a legitimate response to fear of losing status, privileges, or identity.
- Men do not suffer gender violence.
Completely false. Violence can take many forms and can affect both men and women. It can involve physical or psychological harm and may occur in different contexts, including male-to-male or female-to-male violence.
Throughout this article, we have broken down many myths surrounding gender violence. The key is to raise awareness and work toward eliminating all forms of violence and abuse. By promoting tolerance, respect for differences, and true equality, we can build a better society.