2 minSocial Issue
Social Issue

Gender-Based Violence

What is Gender-Based Violence?

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) encompasses any harm perpetrated against a person or group of persons because of their gender. It includes physical, sexual, psychological, and economic harm, and is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power, and harmful norms.

Historical Background

The recognition of gender-based violence as a human rights issue has grown significantly in recent decades. International conventions and national laws have been enacted to address GBV and protect victims.

Key Points

8 points
  • 1.

    The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) is a key international treaty addressing gender inequality and GBV.

  • 2.

    The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 in India provides legal protection to women facing domestic violence.

  • 3.

    Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) defines rape and prescribes punishments.

  • 4.

    The Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013 strengthened laws related to sexual offenses after the 2012 Delhi gang rape case.

  • 5.

    The National Commission for Women (NCW) is a statutory body in India that works to protect the rights of women.

  • 6.

    One Stop Centres and helplines provide support and assistance to victims of GBV.

  • 7.

    Awareness campaigns and educational programs aim to challenge harmful gender norms and prevent GBV.

  • 8.

    The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 5, address gender equality and the elimination of all forms of violence against women and girls.

Visual Insights

Gender-Based Violence: Forms, Causes, and Solutions

Mind map illustrating the forms, causes, and solutions for gender-based violence.

Gender-Based Violence

  • ●Forms
  • ●Causes
  • ●Solutions
  • ●Legal Framework

Recent Developments

5 developments
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Increased focus on online GBV and cyber harassment.

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Efforts to improve the reporting and investigation of GBV cases.

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Strengthening support services for survivors of GBV.

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Addressing the intersectionality of GBV with other forms of discrimination.

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Promoting gender-transformative approaches to prevent GBV.

This Concept in News

1 topics

Manipur Victim's Death Highlights Elusive Justice, Continued Violence

20 Feb 2026

This news story demonstrates how conflict situations exacerbate Gender-Based Violence. (1) It highlights the aspect of impunity, where perpetrators are not held accountable, leading to a cycle of violence. (2) The news challenges the notion that justice systems are always effective in protecting vulnerable populations, especially during times of crisis. (3) It reveals the need for more robust mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting GBV cases in conflict zones. (4) The implications of this news are that without effective justice systems, GBV will continue to be a tool of war and oppression. (5) Understanding the concept of GBV is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for understanding the power dynamics and systemic issues that contribute to the violence. It helps to move beyond individual cases and see the broader patterns of abuse and discrimination.

Source Topic

Manipur Victim's Death Highlights Elusive Justice, Continued Violence

Social Issues

UPSC Relevance

Crucial for UPSC GS Paper 1 (Social Issues), GS Paper 2 (Social Justice, Governance), and Essay Paper. Questions can be asked about the causes and consequences of GBV, legal and policy frameworks to address GBV, and strategies for prevention and response.

Gender-Based Violence: Forms, Causes, and Solutions

Mind map illustrating the forms, causes, and solutions for gender-based violence.

Gender-Based Violence

Physical, sexual, psychological, economic harm

Unequal power relationships

Multi-faceted approach

National and international laws

Connections
Forms→Causes
Causes→Solutions
Solutions→Legal Framework

This Concept in News

1 news topics

1

Manipur Victim's Death Highlights Elusive Justice, Continued Violence

20 February 2026

This news story demonstrates how conflict situations exacerbate Gender-Based Violence. (1) It highlights the aspect of impunity, where perpetrators are not held accountable, leading to a cycle of violence. (2) The news challenges the notion that justice systems are always effective in protecting vulnerable populations, especially during times of crisis. (3) It reveals the need for more robust mechanisms for investigating and prosecuting GBV cases in conflict zones. (4) The implications of this news are that without effective justice systems, GBV will continue to be a tool of war and oppression. (5) Understanding the concept of GBV is crucial for analyzing this news because it provides a framework for understanding the power dynamics and systemic issues that contribute to the violence. It helps to move beyond individual cases and see the broader patterns of abuse and discrimination.