GBV doesn’t always leave physical scars

FINDING FREEDOM

- RAKHI BEEKRUM

GENDER-BASED violence (GBV) is not just physical.

While we may imagine physical abuse, bruises, broken bones and outbursts of rage, GBV can be so subtle that we don’t always recognise it.

While some forms of abuse leave physical scars, others leave emotional wounds.

If we are to fight against GBV, we need to recognise the not-so-obvious presentations.

this can include constant criticism, humiliation, intimidation, gaslighting and emotional manipulation. Victims of emotional abuse may start to doubt their own reality, and their self-esteem may begin to erode as a result of the constant abuse. When someone constantly receives damaging feedback and harsh criticism from their partner, they may over time internalise these messages, which affects how they see themselves. This eroded confidence can impact on all aspects of their lives.