Prevention of Gender-Based Violence

Important: All UNHCR services and assistance are free of charge.

What is Gender-Based Violence?

Gender-based violence (GBV) means any harmful act committed against someone because of socially ascribed differences between women, men, girls and boys. It also occurs when individuals are harmed because of their sexual orientation or gender identity. GBV can include physical harm, sexual violence, emotional abuse, threats, coercion or limiting someone’s ability to make decisions for themselves or to move around freely. These acts can occur at home or in public spaces.

Seeking Help

If you or someone you know has experienced or is at risk of GBV, please remember that you are not alone and help is available. Cases of GBV require urgent action. Getting guidance and support early on can make it easier to understand what to do next and how to stay safe.

UNHCR does not provide specialized services for survivors of GBV but can refer you to trusted partners and service providers. UNHCR treats referrals confidentially and follows up safely.

If you would like UNHCR to make a referral or if you have any questions regarding the prevention of and response to GBV, please contact UNHCR.

1. What are forms of GBV? ⬇️

The below are some examples. This is not a complete list:

  • Sexual violence: Any sexual act without consent, including (attempted) rape, unwanted touching, kissing or fondling. Consent must be free from any pressure. No one should be forced to have sex, not in marriage or relationships either.
  • Physical violence: An act of physical violence that is not sexual and results in pain or injury, including hitting, slapping, kicking, choking, cutting, shoving or burning.
  • Emotional or psychological violence: Causing fear, shame or stress through insults, threats of physical or sexual violence, humiliation, destroying cherished things or controlling behavior. Examples include isolating someone from friends or family or restricting their freedom. Though often overlooked, emotional or psychological violence can deeply harm a person’s well-being.
  • Socio-economic violence or denial of resources: Controlling or taking away someone’s money or preventing them from accessing essential services, such as healthcare, education or livelihood opportunities. Examples include a widow being prevented from receiving an inheritance, earnings being forcibly taken away by family members, a woman being prevented from using contraceptives or a girl being prevented from attending school. Socio-economic violence or denial of resources creates dependence, stress and fear, leaving the person concerned powerless and unable to protect themselves.

2. How to prevent and mitigate GBV risks? ⬇️

  • Always tell someone where you are going and when you will be back even if you are familiar with the area.
  • Keep important contact numbers with you in case of emergency.
  • Avoid leaving older persons, persons with disabilities or young children alone at home. Families are safest if you stay together.
  • Share concerns about unsafe areas or inappropriate behavior with institutions or individuals you trust, such as community leaders or skilled local volunteers.

3. What to do when GBV happens? ⬇️

  • Violence is never okay. If you have experienced GBV, it is not your fault. Men and boys can also experience GBV.
  • It is okay to feel sad, angry, worried or scared. Many survivors feel the same way. You are not alone.
  • It is never too late to seek help. You have the right to get help. Reaching out to support services immediately can prevent further harm. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness.
  • Before deciding what action to take, you might want to speak with someone you trust about available options and possible consequences.
  • If someone tells you that they have experienced GBV, try to listen without judgment and guide them to available services.
  • Try and say ‘No’ to harmful practices, like child marriage and forced marriage, within your family and community. Harmful practices can increase during difficult times.

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