By: Daly Carino

Understanding Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence refers to violence that targets individuals based on their gender or sex. It encompasses various forms of abuse, including physical, emotional, sexual, and psychological violence. Women and girls are disproportionately affected by GBV, but men and boys can also be victims.

Gender-based violence not only causes immediate harm but also has long-term impacts on physical and mental health, social well-being, and economic stability. Survivors often face systemic barriers in seeking justice, including stigma, victim-blaming, and a lack of accessible support services. As a result, laws that protect survivors of GBV are essential in promoting safety, accountability, and societal change.

Early Legal Protections and Their Limitations

Historically, the legal systems in many countries were inadequate in addressing gender-based violence. In many societies, GBV was seen as a private matter, with little intervention from the state. Laws addressing domestic violence, for example, were often weak or nonexistent, and perpetrators were seldom held accountable.

In the early 20th century, many countries began to recognize the need for legal protection for women facing domestic violence. However, these laws were often limited in scope, leaving many survivors without adequate protection. For example, in the United States, the first significant legal measure addressing domestic violence was passed in the 1960s, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was introduced, providing federal funding for victim services and law enforcement training.

International Legal Milestones in GBV Protection

In the 1990s, the international community began to take a stronger stance on gender-based violence. Key international frameworks, including the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO), recognized GBV as a violation of human rights and a critical issue for global development.

One of the most significant legal milestones in the fight against GBV was the adoption of the 1993 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence Against Women by the United Nations General Assembly. This declaration called on all member states to take action to eliminate all forms of violence against women, including domestic violence, sexual violence, and trafficking.

The International Criminal Court (ICC), established in 2002, also played a crucial role in addressing GBV at the international level. The ICC’s statutes specifically recognize sexual and gender-based violence as war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, marking a significant step forward in holding perpetrators accountable in conflict settings.

Domestic Legal Reforms and Gender-Based Violence Laws

As internat