Imagine walking down the street, head held high, knowing you are safe – no violence. You walk without fear, with the certainty that the world around you won’t turn hostile. Now, imagine that same street, but with every step, you feel your heart race, your body tense, and your eyes scan the surroundings in search of danger.
Flowing from the above, for many, this isn’t a far-off scenario – it’s their everyday reality, all because of gender-based violence (GBV). Whether it’s physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological harm, GBV creates a world where safety and security are not universal, but privileges afforded to few. And for the millions of women and girls who experience such violence, the simple act of existing in public spaces becomes an uphill battle.
The Prevalence of Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence is a pervasive issue that transcends borders, cultures, and social classes. In fact, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that one in three women worldwide will experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives. These staggering numbers highlight a fundamental truth: gender-based crisis is not an isolated problem; it is a global crisis.

The UK alone sees around 2 million cases of domestic abuse annually, with one in four women experiencing domestic violence in their lifetime. These figures are not just statistics; they represent the lived reality of countless individuals who endure fear, trauma, and pain behind closed doors or in public spaces. What’s perhaps even more concerning is that the vast majority of this violence is committed by people known to the victims, whether intimate partners, family members, or acquaintances. This suggests a deep-rooted cultural and societal issue that continues to fuel the cycle of abuse and insecurity.
The Psychological Toll of Gender-Based Violence
While the physical scars of GBV are often visible, the emotional and psychological impact can be far more profound. Survivors frequently experience feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness, which can lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts. The constant fear of violence, whether at home, at work, or on the street, creates an environment where women feel perpetually unsafe.
The trauma of gender-based violence often extends far beyond the initial act. Studies show that women who experience violence are at a significantly higher risk of mental health problems. For instance, a report by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) found that children who witness domestic violence are more likely to experience mental health issues, behavioural problems, and difficulties in school. These intergenerational effects not only compound the harm done to the individual but also hinder the potential of entire communities.

Economic and Social Consequences
The social costs of GBV are just as troubling as its physical and psychological effects. Women who experience violence are more likely to face economic hardships. They may struggle to maintain employment due to the trauma and instability caused by abuse. In some cases, women are forced to leave their jobs or decrease their working hours, leading to a loss of income. This financial insecurity can trap victims in abusive situations, as they are unable to support themselves or their children independently.
A 2019 study by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) estimated that the economic cost of domestic violence in Nigeria could be as high as $3.3 billion annually, which represents about 2% of the country’s GDP. This figure includes the direct costs such as healthcare, legal services, and the criminal justice system, as well as indirect costs such as lost productivity, absenteeism, and the long-term economic impact of violence on survivors.

Again, the economic burden of gender-based violence extends beyond the individual. In the UK alone, the economic cost of domestic abuse is estimated to be £66 billion annually. This includes direct costs such as healthcare, criminal justice, and social services, as well as the indirect costs of lost productivity, absenteeism from work, and long-term health care needs. These numbers are not just figures on a spreadsheet; they represent the broader impact of violence on society, hindering economic growth and stability.
Why Gender-Based Violence Poses a Threat to Security
At its core, gender-based violence undermines the very idea of security. When violence becomes a common part of one’s life, whether in the form of harassment in public spaces or abuse at home, the basic human right to feel safe is stripped away. Security is not just about physical safety; it also involves a sense of emotional and psychological well-being. For many survivors of GBV, their sense of safety is shattered, leaving them in constant fear for their lives.
Moreover, GBV can create a ripple effect, where communities as a whole become destabilised. A society where violence is rampant cannot thrive in peace. Women and girls, in particular, face restrictions on their mobility, their social participation, and their potential for economic success. The fear of being harassed or attacked keeps them from accessing education, pursuing careers, and engaging fully in public life. This lack of freedom directly impacts their ability to contribute to society, further entrenching the cycles of poverty and violence.

The Role of Prevention and Education
While the prevalence of gender-based violence is alarming, there is hope. Tackling GBV requires a multifaceted approach that includes prevention, support services, and education. Prevention strategies should focus on challenging and changing the harmful norms and behaviours that perpetuate violence. This includes promoting gender equality and respect in both public and private spaces.
Education plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of abuse. By teaching young people about healthy relationships, consent, and respect, we can work to foster a generation that is less tolerant of violence and more committed to creating a safe environment for all. Schools, workplaces, and community organisations must all be engaged in efforts to educate and empower individuals to recognise the signs of abuse, offer support to survivors, and speak out against violence.
Additionally, support systems such as shelters, counselling, and legal assistance are vital for helping survivors rebuild their lives. Many victims of GBV struggle to leave abusive situations due to a lack of resources and support, so it is crucial that governments and organisations work together to provide accessible services that can help survivors escape danger and recover from their experiences.

Conclusion: The Urgency for Action
Gender-based violence remains one of the most significant barriers to safety and security for millions of people across the globe. It leaves behind scars that go beyond bruises, affecting the mental, emotional, and economic well-being of its survivors. Yet, it is not an issue that is beyond resolution. By increasing awareness, improving prevention strategies, and providing adequate support to survivors, we can begin to break down the barriers of insecurity that GBV creates.
The fight against gender-based violence is not just about protecting the vulnerable; it is about ensuring that everyone, regardless of gender, has the right to feel safe, valued, and respected. In a world where safety should be a given, gender-based violence is a barrier we can no longer afford to ignore. The time for action is now.
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11 Comments
To think that this uncanny act is perpetuated everywhere in the makes it pathetic. We must rise and run a street campaign against this.
I’m still confused as to why women are always at a disadvantage. Should we now start training the girl child to be tough 💪? We must deem it fit to equip them mentally and physically. ISN can be a channel to this.
Sometimes I regret being a female. But God knows best. I agree, we are so disadvantaged. Designated Organizations should do better in our protection.
Ómó men, the world is crazy. Love the piece, though, but we must do more than just write to protect the vulnerable ones.
Well done ISN
The time to rise and give maximum protection for our girls is now. Enough is enough!
This is a thorough exposition.
Thank you ISN
Thank you, Mark. The piece is equally centered around clarion call to rise to the occasion in order to protect the girl child. Kindly note that ISN organises seminars and workshops that are all inclusive.
Dear Juliet, life gives more gender charaterisation. Dust off your feeling of regrets. Women are powerful creatures. We want to use this opportunity to invite you to our workshops and other empowerment programmes. You’ll be happy and a better you will emerge. Date and venue will be communicated.
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We believe that the fact-in-issue is a thing of the mind. Women are special and we should do more to protect the vulnerable. Again, it is imperative that we mention that they are not truly disadvantaged!
Thank you!
The unthinkable thing is that fact that most of these men who subject the opposite sex to cruelty are truly and innately wicked. Join us at ISN to help mitigate this unfamiliar and dastardly wicked act.
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The world must do more to ensure egalitarianism among its inhabitants.