How to Prevent Gender Based Violence in Namibia

What is Gender Based Violence?

Gender-Based violence refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue.

Where and how to prevent gender base violence

These are the 17 ways to prevent gender base violence in Naamibia;

• Educate yourself on the root causes of violence.
• Interrupt sexist and discriminatory language.
• Be critical and question.
• Interrupt abuse.
• Stop sexual harassment.
• Develop an action plan.
• Stop victim blaming.
• Stop rape culture.
• Call gender-based violence what it is – violence, not “bullying.”
• Create safe spaces to discuss gender-based violence.
• Confront and reflect on your ideas and beliefs.
• Stop stereotyping men’s and women’s roles.
• Remember that violence is a choice, and it is preventable.
• Be supportive and believe.
• Be aware of available resources for girls and women.
• Be a mentor.
• Understand and practice consent!

Frequently Asked Questions

What does gender-based violence mean in Namibia?

Gender-based violence (GBV) involves acts of violence committed against women, men, boys or girls, as a result of social norms about roles and behaviour expected of each gender. It often occurs within relationships.

What are some examples of gender-based violence in Namibia?

• Child marriage.
• Female genital mutilation.
• Honour killings.
• Trafficking for sex or slavery.
• Intimate partner violence.
• Physical punishment.
• Sexual, emotional or psychological violence.

What causes gender-based violence in Namibia?

Various other factors, such as poverty, lack of education and livelihood opportunities, and impunity for crime and abuse, also tend to contribute to and reinforce a culture of violence and discrimination based on gender.

Is domestic violence part of gender-based violence in Namibia?

It can include violence against women, domestic violence against women, men or children living in the same domestic unit. Although women and girls are the main victims of GBV, it also causes severe harm to families and communities.

What are the four causes of violence in Namibia?

The causes of violence are multiple. The psychological literature usually divides these causes into four highly overlapping categories: (1) biological, (2) socialization, (3) cognitive, and (4) situational factors.

What are the two reasonable description of gender-based violence in Namibia?

Gender-based violence usually refers to physical and verbal forms of violence whereas “gender equality” is used to refer to overcoming discrimination, promoting equal rights and preventing indirect violence e.g. in the workplace, or in male superiority as a social norm.

How can we prevent violence in our society in Namibia?

Set up a Neighborhood Watch or a community patrol, working with police. Make sure your streets and homes are well-lighted. Make sure that all the youth in the neighborhood have positive ways to spend their spare time, through organized recreation, tutoring programs, part-time work, and volunteer opportunities.

How does gender-based violence affect health in Namibia?

Mental health impacts for survivors of gender-based violence include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance misuse, self-harm and suicidal behaviour, and sleep disturbances. In addition, a survivor of GBV may also face stigma and rejection from her community and family.

Is there a law against gender-based violence in Namibia?

The main federal law against violence against women is the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act of 2013 (PDF, 410 KB). Domestic violence and abuse are already against the law. This law provides services and support for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.

What are the negative impacts of gender-based violence in Namibia?

The consequences for victims include undermined confidence, physical disabilities, stigma and shame. Sexual violence also puts women at increased risk of HIV/AIDS.

Why is gender-based violence wrong in Namibia?

Freedom from violence is a fundamental human right, and gender-based violence undermines a person’s sense of self-worth and self-esteem. It affects not only physical health but also mental health and may lead to selfharm, isolation, depression and suicidal attempts.

What are the causes and effects of gender based violence in Namibia?

• Harmful Gender Norms. Gender stereotypes and are often used to justify violence against women.
• Hunger. Just as empowering women can help eliminate hunger, food scarcity also leads to increased gender-based violence.
• War and conflict.

What does the government do to support communities affected by gender based violence in Namibia?

The Domestic Violence Act, 1998 was enacted to give survivors of violence maximum protection from domestic abuse. Government has established the National Council Against Gender Based Violence (NCAGBV) to provide strategic leadership, coordination and management of gender-based violence initiatives in South Africa.

How can we identify gender-based violence in Namibia?

Gender-based violence (GBV) is violence that is directed at an individual based on his or her biological sex OR gender identity. It includes physical, sexual, verbal, emotional, and psychological abuse, threats, coercion, and economic or educational deprivation, whether occurring in public or private life.

How does gender-based violence affect the society in Namibia?

GBV is a profound human rights violation with major social and developmental impacts for survivors of violence, as well as their families, communities and society more broadly. On an individual level, GBV leads to psychological trauma, and can have psychological, behavioural and physical consequences for survivors.