Search Results (78)

Cultural constructions of masculinity in rural South Africa perpetuate gender-based violence (GBV), yet women’s perspectives remain underexplored, particularly in the high-prevalence OR Tambo District. This study examined women’s perceptions and lived experiences of masculinity constructs contributing to GBV in Gxulu. It is a rural community situated in the Libode Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, under the Nyandeni municipality 5160 A phenomenological qualitative design using purposive sampling for saturation was used. Semi-structured interviews conducted in isiXhosa and English were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. A total of 29 women participated in the study, with an average age of 33.4 years. The study found that women held negative and positive perceptions of masculine characteristics. Participants perceived that masculinity may be characterized by unfaithfulness, with expectations of men to lead and make decisions possibly contributing to financial abuse of women. Masculinity may also be characterized by substance and alcohol misuse, with expectations of men being financially stable providers possibly contributing to physical abuse. Additionally, women perceived that alcohol led to sexual abuse and created men who were unable to express their emotions, leading to emotional abuse. These women’s insights reveal aspects of masculinity fueling GBV cycles, underscoring the need for norm-corrective, community-based interventions to foster gender-equitable norms in the rural Eastern Cape. Full article

Background: Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly proposed to augment early-stage assistance for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV), including intimate partner and domestic violence, across crisis hotlines, specialist services, digital reporting channels, legal support tools and healthcare pathways. However, the scope, maturity and evaluative strength of the peer-reviewed evidence remain uncertain. We aimed to map the application domains, evaluative maturity, and implementation and safety gaps of this evidence base. Methods: We conducted a scoping review reported according to the PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR), using a Population–Concept–Context framework focused on AI-enabled first-response and early support. Searches in Scopus, Web of Science Core Collection and PubMed were supplemented by targeted searches of IEEE Xplore and ACM Digital Library. Records were screened against predefined criteria, charted using a structured form and synthesised descriptively. Results: Original searches yielded 187 records and 21 included sources of evidence. The supplementary search identified 539 records/candidates; 27 full texts were assessed and 6 additional sources met eligibility criteria, yielding 27 included sources of evidence. Evidence covered survivor-facing conversational support; screening and triage in emergency and specialist services; social-triage and online disclosure models; survivor-informed help-seeking and chatbot design; legal/support routing; and enabling modalities such as speech-based approaches. Most sources reported technical performance, usability, acceptability or systems-audit findings, while no workflow-integrated evaluation was identified and survivor-centred effectiveness outcomes, service uptake and adverse-event monitoring were rarely reported. Conclusions: The evidence remains heterogeneous and early-stage, with limited support for service-integrated effectiveness or safety. Included sources more often assessed models, interfaces or prototypes than downstream pathway outcomes. The findings support cautious, pathway-aware interpretation and identify recurring concerns regarding escalation, accountability, equity, digital trace safety and human handover. The proposed practice considerations and outcome domains are author-informed priorities for future pilot and implementation studies, not validated guidelines. Full article

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a critical public health concern in South Africa, which ranks among the countries most severely affected worldwide. Women and girls are reported to bear the greatest burden, with men predominantly identified as perpetrators. GBV is particularly prevalent in densely populated areas such as informal settlements, where adverse socioeconomic conditions create fertile ground for its proliferation. Despite the scale of this problem, to the researchers’ knowledge, few studies, especially qualitative ones, have been conducted in such contexts, even though informal settlements are widespread across the country. To generate nuanced insights into this phenomenon, the current study explored the lived experiences of women victims of GBV in Alexandra, one of South Africa’s largest informal settlements. The study was grounded in an interpretive paradigm, employed a qualitative approach, and adopted a single-case-study design. Participants were purposively selected from a population of women victims of GBV, and the sample size was determined through data saturation. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face semi-structured interviews and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis (RTA) with Nvivo version 15 software and interpreted through the lens of feminist theory. The findings revealed that GBV has profound effects on women’s emotional, psychological and social wellbeing, extending beyond the immediate incidents to also affect their overall functioning, erode self-confidence, and limit opportunities for independence. The use of intimidation and coercion tactics by perpetrators trapped victims in a cycle of dysfunction which diminished agency, and fostered isolation. Interpreting these findings through a feminist lens highlights the systematic and recurrent nature of GBV, which cuts across personal, structural and relational dimensions. The findings underscore the urgent need for context-specific interventions that will help dismantle structures of abuse while supporting victims’ and/or survivors’ autonomy, recovery and, most importantly, capacity to rebuild identity and trust. Full article

Gender-based violence (GBV) in higher education is increasingly recognized as a systemic problem across offline and online contexts, yet the pathways linking gender-related attitudes, victimization, and formal help-seeking remain insufficiently understood in Southern Europe. This study examined whether Sexual Harassment/Assault and Coercive Control mediate associations between ambivalent sexism, Acceptance of Dating Violence, Perceived Behavioral Control, and Formal Help-Seeking Intentions among women students in Greek higher education. An anonymous online survey was completed by 550 women students, and structural equation modeling tested direct, mediated, and multi-group associations by age, education level, and perceived financial situation. Coercive Control was the strongest predictor of Formal Help-Seeking Intentions, followed by Acceptance of Dating Violence and Perceived Behavioral Control, whereas Hostile and Benevolent Sexism had no significant direct effects. Mediation analyses showed that Coercive Control, rather than Sexual Harassment/Assault, provided the more consistent pathway to help-seeking intentions. Multi-group analyses indicated broadly stable patterns, with selected differences by age, education, and financial situation. The findings suggest that university GBV policies should move beyond incident-based responses, address patterned Coercive Control, and improve students’ perceived ability to access formal support services. Full article

Migrant and refugee women are vulnerable to gender-based violence (GBV) at multiple points along the migratory pathway, including after they arrive in Canada. Their vulnerability in Canada is related to legal and policy frameworks to (im)migration, settlement and integration but also to the precarious nature of social services for migrant and refugee survivors of GBV. Drawing upon theorizing on intersectionality, vulnerability and precarity, this article describes findings from a qualitative study involving the reflexive thematic analysis of 43 interviews with professionals engaged with government policy and the provision of public services for migrant and refugee women survivors of GBV in Canada. Our analysis reveals their marginalization within social systems and their involvement in unintentionally reproducing obstacles faced by migrant and refugee women. The findings add to and nuance the small body of research on the experiences of professionals involved in Canadian GBV services for migrant and refugee women. We make contributions to theorizing, highlighting the structural components that impact service provision to migrant and refugee survivors of GBV, and suggest recommendations for policy change. Full article

Purpose: The study explores the health-related consequences of gender-based violence against women in South Africa. Accordingly, gender-based violence (GBV) has become a serious and pervasive issue in South Africa, affecting practically every aspect of life. Gender-based violence (GBV) persists as a widespread public health emergency in South Africa, disproportionately impacting women across various socio-economic and cultural contexts. This study examines the many health-related effects of gender-based violence, utilising both quantitative data from healthcare facilities and qualitative insights from survivor accounts. The results indicate a significant association between gender-based violence and a heightened prevalence of chronic medical ailments, including hypertension, reproductive health issues, and gastrointestinal diseases. The study also emphasizes a notable increase in mental health illnesses, such as sadness, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), among survivors. The research reveals increasing patterns of intergenerational health effects, indicating that offspring of GBV survivors have increased risks of emotional and behavioural issues. These observations highlight the pressing necessity for cohesive health and social support systems, legislative change, and community-based interventions to mitigate the enduring health impact of gender-based violence on women in South Africa. Full article

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) represents a major public health and social concern, with evidence linking persistent sexist beliefs to a higher likelihood of experiencing or perpetrating GBV, particularly among young adults. This study aimed to examine attitudes towards GBV among university students in Castilla-La Mancha, providing insight into ongoing gender inequalities within higher education. A total of 399 undergraduate and double-degree students at the University of University of Castilla-La Mancha completed the 47-item Gender and Violence Attitudes Questionnaire (GVAQ), and data were analyzed using descriptive and correlational methods. The results indicate the persistence of sexist beliefs and justifications for violence, with significant differences according to sex, age, and academic discipline: men scored higher overall on the GVAQ (M = 101.69) than women (M = 83.82), students in Engineering and Architecture scored higher (M = 100.89) than those in Arts and Humanities (M = 83.22), and younger students (≤25 years) scored slightly higher (M = 89.63) than older students (≥26 years) (M = 85.91). These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted educational programmes integrating a gender perspective to challenge entrenched sexist attitudes and reduce GBV in university contexts, fostering safer and more equitable learning environments. Full article

Gender-based violence (GBV) in urban contexts is a complex, multifactorial phenomenon shaped by socioeconomic, territorial, and contextual factors. This study aims to develop a predictive model for GBV-related crimes in Valencia (Spain), using open geospatial data and advanced machine learning techniques to support the identification of high-risk areas and guide targeted interventions. A 25 m grid was generated to homogenize crime data and independent variables, including socioeconomic indicators, urban services, real estate information, and traffic intensity. Multiple models were tested—Multiple Linear Regression (MLR), Decision Tree (DT), and Random Forest (RF). Linear models were found to be insufficient for explaining GBV patterns (R² ≈ 0.45), while RF and DT achieved high predictive accuracy (R² ≈ 0.97 and 0.95, respectively. The variables with the greatest influence were traffic intensity, average monthly income, unemployment rate, and proximity to nightlife venues. To enhance the interpretability of the most accurate models, we applied SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) to quantify the contribution of each predictor and elucidate the direction and magnitude of their effects on model predictions. These findings demonstrate the utility of geospatial ML techniques in understanding the spatial dynamics of GBV and in supporting urban safety policies. While the current model focuses on static spatial predictors and does not explicitly model temporal dynamics or spatial autocorrelation, future research will integrate these aspects, along with participatory data, and test the model’s applicability in other cities to enhance its robustness and generalizability. Full article

The study investigated the prevalence of gender-based violence, its psychological effects, and coping mechanisms among refugees in Ethiopia’s Kebribeyah Camp, which is believed to be the least recognized issue for female refugees. Owing to the loss of a social network and power, refugee women are the most vulnerable to different forms of gender-based violence and psychosocial challenges. The data collection and analysis were performed using a cross-sectional explanatory, quantitative design. The study involved 357 women refugees who were eligible for the study and found that there was a prevalence of 10.98% for GBV. In this study, it was determined that the most prevalent forms of GBV are psychological, physical, and sexual forms, respectively, which require immediate interventions. Irrational verbal and physical violence against women by men is identified as a signal for sexual violence. The mediation analysis examines the relationship between GBV acts, psychosocial challenges, and survivors’ coping strategies. GBV was found to be a significant predictor of both psychological and social difficulties, accounting for a significant variance in psychological difficulties (71%) and phobias (59%), and a substantial portion of social challenges (35%). GBV accounts for 82% of the variance in coping strategies. The study deduces the multidimensional pathway of the adverse effects of GBV among survivors, and suggests a combination of interventions to address GBV acts, psychological challenges, social challenges, and psychological phobias through an intersectional approach. Full article

Comprehensive sex education (CSE) is recognized globally as a key strategy for promoting adolescent well-being and preventing gender-based violence (GBV). Yet, in the United States, the absence of a federal mandate and deep political division results in inconsistent and often inadequate CSE within and across the 50 states. Our review critically examined U.S. sex education policy and programming research literature in relation to GBV prevention. We also conducted a 50-state policy content analysis of sex education requirements, alongside related political trends and overlapping conservative policies. Discussed as, the “politics of sex education,” our findings reveal that states lacking medically accurate CSE also are more likely to support abstinence-only education, restrict discussions of race and gender in secondary educational settings, and adopt laws limiting reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights. We also found that CSE, when culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and medically accurate, can reduce GBV and equip youth with essential skills necessary to understand consent in intimate relationships. Overall, our literature review and policy clustering underscores how educational content is shaped by broader ideological agendas. Findings point to a dearth of research, particularly concerning educational practice in more conservative political contexts. We conclude with recommendations around the need for coordinated policy reform, educator training, and community collaboration to address GBV through evidenced-based CSE. Full article

Gender-based violence (GBV) in South Africa continues to be a critical issue affecting the society. It is deeply entrenched within patriarchal structures shaped by historical injustices of colonialism and apartheid. Despite several legislative and policy initiatives aimed at addressing the scourge of GBV, media representations often perpetuate traditional gender stereotypes and biased narratives. Evidence from previous studies highlights the role of media in reinforcing gender inequalities by frequently sensationalizing violence and victim-blaming, thereby marginalizing the experiences of women. This paper contributes to ongoing debates on media framing by critically examining contemporary South African media narratives on GBV. The study will employ a framing analysis approach to scrutinize the key frames utilized by South African media in reporting GBV, drawing from significant scholarly works and news articles from IOL on GBV. Three empirical questions guide this study: (i) What frames are prevalent in media coverage of GBV in post-pandemic South Africa? (ii) Are there identifiable biases within these media narratives? (iii) How do media representations either reinforce or challenge entrenched patriarchal discourses? Analysis of selected news articles reveals persistent media practices that reinforce gender-biased stereotypes and diminish women’s agency and lived realities. Despite notable examples of counter-discourses emerging through digital activism, traditional media channels often undermine progressive efforts, perpetuating the perception that GBV remains inadequately addressed. This paper underscores the urgent need for more nuanced and transformative media practices that challenge systemic gender inequalities and promote genuine societal change in South Africa’s evolving post-apartheid context. The paper explores the growing GBV matters in the post-apartheid South Africa as presented in the media and argues that GBV matters. The paper pays particular attention to the inclusion and framing of women’s perspectives in the coverage of GBV in South Africa. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to identify the prevalence of gender-based violence experienced through social networks among adult women in Spain. Specific objectives included describing in-person sexual violence within the context of GBV and analyzing the relationship between GBV experienced on social networks and in-person sexual violence. Methods: This observational, cross-sectional, and correlational study surveyed 1177 adult women aged 18–59 years. Data were collected through validated instruments, including the Cyber Dating Abuse Questionnaire, Online Sexual Victimization Scale, and Dating Violence Questionnaire. Statistical analyses, including the Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and Spearman’s Rho, were used to examine violence as a function of sociodemographic variables, social network usage, and pornography consumption. Results: Of participants, 68.2% reported experiencing GBV on social networks, 62.7% reported online sexual violence, and 66.0% reported in-person sexual violence. Gender-based violence was significantly correlated with online sexual violence (r = 0.390, p < 0.001) and in-person sexual violence (r = 0.463, p < 0.001). Women from lower socioeconomic backgrounds reported higher victimization rates for all forms of violence analyzed (p < 0.05). Increased daily social network usage and pornography consumption were associated with higher victimization rates (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Gender-based violence on social networks is pervasive among adult women in Spain and is closely linked to in-person sexual violence. Socioeconomic factors, time spent on social networks, and pornography consumption were key predictors of victimization. These findings highlight the need for targeted interventions addressing online violence to mitigate gender-based violence in broader contexts. Full article

Controversial events are social incidents that trigger wide discussion and strong emotions, often touching on public interests, moral judgment, or social values. Their diffusion typically involves moral evaluations and affect-laden language. Prior work has mostly examined how the quantity of moral and emotional words shapes diffusion, while largely overlooking blame attribution—that is, whether audiences locate the cause of a controversial event in individual actions or in social structures, across different contexts. Using 189,872 original Weibo posts covering 105 events in three domains— street-level bureaucracy (SLB; individual attribution), education governance (EG; structural attribution), and gender-based violence (GBV; mixed attribution)—we estimate negative binomial models with an interaction between word type and account verification and report incidence rate ratios (IRR). Moral contagion is strongest for SLB (IRR = 1.337) and attenuated for EG (IRR = 1.037). For GBV, moral-emotional language decreases reposts (IRR = 0.844). Unverified accounts amplify the diffusion advantage of moral-emotional wording for both individually and structurally attributed issues, with the largest gains in SLB. When disaggregating by valence and discrete emotions, fear-type moral-emotional words are positively associated with reposts in GBV (IRR = 1.314). Theoretically, we shift the question from whether moral contagion occurs to when it operates, highlighting attribution tendencies and verification status as key moderators. Empirically, we provide cross-issue evidence from large-scale Chinese social media. Methodologically, we offer a replicable workflow that combines length-normalized lexical measures with negative binomial models, including interaction terms. Full article

Gender-based violence (GBV) and traffic offenses pose significant public health challenges and contribute to widespread social issues globally. This study examines the sociodemographic and psychological profiles of individuals who commit traffic offenses and GBV, focusing on three alternative penal programs: TASEVAL (for traffic offenses), PRIA-MA, and reGENER@r (both for GBV). The study involved 54 participants distributed across these programs, using various psychometric tests to assess their profiles. Participants across the three programs (TASEVAL, PRIA-MA, and reGENER@R) were comparable in age (mean range 39.13–40.69 years) and nationality, with roughly half having prior contact with the justice system. Educational levels varied, with TASEVAL participants mainly completing secondary education (43.8%), PRIA-MA participants primary education (43.8%), and reGENER@R participants post-secondary education (59.1%). Employment status differed slightly, with TASEVAL and reGENER@R participants mainly employed (62.5% and 63.6%, respectively), while most PRIA-MA participants were unemployed (56.3%). Family characteristics varied across groups. In TASEVAL, having a partner and no children predominated (62.5% and 31.3%); in PRIA-MA, not having a partner and having two children predominated (62.5% and 37.5%); and, in reGENER@R, not having a partner and having one child predominated (59.1% and 31.8%). No significant differences were observed in sociodemographic variables. Regarding psychological characteristics, results across all groups indicate a marked presence of psychopathological symptoms and difficulties in emotional intelligence domains, with a significant correlation between psychological traits and coping strategies. These findings highlight the importance of tailoring alternative penal measures to the specific characteristics of each group to enhance effectiveness and reduce recidivism. Full article

This study examined how partner characteristics contribute to gender-based violence (GBV) risk among women in Sub-Saharan Africa. Guided by two research questions—how partner characteristics influence GBV, and which characteristics are the strongest predictors—we tested four hypotheses regarding partner education, age difference, alcohol use, and controlling behaviours. Using nationally representative Demographic and Health Survey data from 25 Sub-Saharan African countries (2012–2022), we conducted descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate logistic regression analyses of 122,477 ever-married women aged 15–49. Findings revealed that partner characteristics significantly predicted GBV. Women with partners who had no education experienced higher GBV rates (31.6%) compared to those with partners who attained tertiary education (5.7%). Age differences of six years or more were associated with higher GBV prevalence (39.9%). Controlling behaviour emerged as the strongest predictor, with 87.7% of women with controlling partners reporting GBV. Alcohol use and frequency of drunkenness also strongly increased the odds of violence; women whose partners were often drunk had 6.75 times higher odds of emotional violence. These results confirmed the hypotheses and underscore the central role of partner characteristics in shaping GBV risks. Policy and programmatic interventions should address male alcohol misuse, promote gender-equitable attitudes, and expand women’s access to education. Targeting partner-level risk factors is essential for reducing GBV and advancing progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals in Sub-Saharan Africa. Full article