Beyond the Visible: Understanding the Hidden Layers of Gender-Based Violence
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is often understood as physical, verbal, emotional, or financial harm. But survivors’ experiences reveal additional layers that are less discussed, yet deeply damaging. During the 16 Days of Activism, it is essential to shed light on these hidden pressures—particularly the societal expectations and family-based dynamics that trap many women and gender-diverse individuals in cycles of abuse.
The Weight of Societal and Familial Pressure
For many survivors, it is not only the fear of stigma that keeps them silent; it is the pressure to maintain relationships with those harming them or those who are complicit. Close and extended family members may minimize the abuse, encourage silence, or pressure the survivor to “keep the family intact.”
In some cases, survivors discover that the very people they hope will support them may instead sabotage their efforts to seek safety.
This reality leaves many individuals feeling isolated, unheard, and without anyone they can confide in.
The Critical Need for Safe Housing
Because of these layers of pressure, safe houses and transitional housing remain essential pathways toward security and healing. They offer survivors something that may not exist in their homes or communities:
- A confidential location
- A safe environment free of judgment
- Support from trained professionals
- The ability to rebuild stability at their own pace
For many, this becomes the first place where they can breathe, think, and make decisions without coercion.
When Children Are Involved, the Impact Deepens
Cases involving children often become more complex. Findings consistently show that children exposed to GBV experience:
- Sudden behavioural changes
- Difficulties in school
- Heightened anxiety or regression
- Long-term shifts in their sense of safety and identity
Survivors then face a painful dilemma—protect themselves and their children while navigating social expectations, fear, and limited accessible support. Their trauma responses often go unnoticed or untreated, leading to emotional exhaustion and mental fatigue.
The Psychological Toll: What Survivors Carry
GBV is not only an immediate safety issue; it becomes a long-term psychological battle. Many survivors describe:
- Hypervigilance
- Fear of judgment
- Loss of self-confidence
- Lingering trauma responses
- Declining mental and physical health
The pathway back to a sense of self is rarely quick. It requires time, trust, safety, and consistent support.
Economic Consequences: GBV as a Pathway to Poverty
Gender-based violence often pushes survivors into financial hardship. Leaving an abusive environment can mean:
- Loss of housing
- Loss of employment
- Legal fees
- Increased caregiving responsibilities
- Extended periods of instability
This cycle links GBV directly to economic insecurity and mental health challenges, further emphasizing the need for well-funded, holistic interventions.
What Survivors Need: Trust, Support, and Resources
Effective GBV response requires more than emergency services. Survivors need:
- Trustworthy relationships with counsellors, advocates, and community partners
- Long-term counselling that acknowledges trauma
- Culturally sensitive supports
- Safe spaces to talk without shame
- Clear information about their rights and options
- Programs for children to address emotional and developmental impacts
Reintegration into a life of safety and dignity is possible—but only with sustained support.
The Role of Organizations: Capacity, Partnerships, and Funding
Organizations supporting survivors play a crucial role in advocacy, direct care, and prevention. To continue this life-saving work, they rely on:
- Capacity building to strengthen staff skills
- Meaningful partnerships with community agencies, shelters, legal services, and mental health professionals
- Reliable funding to expand programs and meet growing needs
- Continuous training to keep services trauma-informed and survivor-centered
These supports ensure that survivors are met with compassion—not bureaucracy—when they reach out for help.
A Call to Action
As we observe the 16 Days of Activism, let’s remember that GBV is not only about visible harm. It is woven into relationships, community expectations, economic structures, and cultural norms. Survivors deserve more than awareness—they deserve action, understanding, and systems built to protect and empower them.
Together, we can create environments where women and children feel safe, heard, and supported.
Ending gender-based violence is everyone’s responsibility.