Unraveling the Link: How Gender Inequality Fuels Gender-Based Violence
Unraveling the Link: How Gender Inequality Fuels Gender-Based Violence
Introduction
In the quest to understand the root causes of gender-based violence, one factor stands out: gender inequality. This piece explores the intricate relationship between gender inequality and gender violence. It looks at societal norms and attitudes that contribute to this issue, and it also examines the prevalence of violence in different regions. Furthermore, it highlights the efforts made by various countries to curb this problem, particularly those that have made significant strides in promoting gender equality and implementing strong legal frameworks and social programs to prevent such gender violence (World Health Organization, 2021). By understanding these complexities, we can work towards creating a society where everyone is safe and equal, regardless of their gender.
The Underlying Factors
Societal attitudes that condone or trivialise violence against women often lead to escalated levels of domestic violence. This includes ideologies that shift the blame from the offender to the victim. Violence is more common in relationships where men dominate decision-making and restrict women’s independence, reflecting wider societal trends where men possess more power and resources, thereby reinforcing the perception that women are less significant (Connell, 2005).
Rally calling for action to end violence against women in Canberra. Photograph: Lukas Coch/AAP
Our Watch: Australia has a choice. We can change the story that currently sees a woman murdered every week by a current or former partner. We can choose a future where women and their children live free from violence. Ending violence against women starts with gender equality.
The Prevalence of Violence
Violence against women is a pervasive issue in Australia. Key statistics reveal that 2 in 5 women (39%) have experienced violence since the age of 15. Men are more often the perpetrators of physical violence, sexual harassment, and sexual violence. Women are more likely to experience violence from someone they know than by a stranger (35% vs 11%). On average, one woman is killed every nine days by a current or former partner. In the year 2021/22, 4,620 women aged 15 years and over (an average of 13 women/day) were hospitalised due to family and domestic violence (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).
The Impact of Violence
Violence has a profound impact on women’s lives. One in four women (27%) has experienced violence, emotional abuse, or economic abuse by a cohabitating partner since the age of 15. One in three women (31%) has experienced physical violence since the age of 15. One in five women (22%) has experienced sexual violence since the age of 15. One in two women (53%) has experienced sexual harassment in their lifetime. Women are at an increased risk of experiencing violence from an intimate partner during pregnancy. Women who have experienced violence are more likely to experience multiple incidents of violence. Certain individuals, identities, and communities within Australia are at greater risk than others and experience violence that intersects with other forms of discrimination and disadvantage (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2023).
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Our Watch: Domestic and family violence can affect anyone and is not just physical violence. Understanding what domestic and family violence is and how it might impact your staff can help you to offer the appropriate support.
In Australia: The Role of Our Watch
Our Watch, previously known as the Foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and their Children, is an Australian organisation established to help prevent violence against women and their children. The organisation was founded in mid-2013 with Natasha Stott Despoja AO as the founding chair. It is based in Melbourne, Victoria, and is an independent non-profit organisation that is jointly funded by all states and territories of Australia. The primary purpose of Our Watch was “to raise awareness and engage the community in action to prevent violence against women and their children”. It was established under the “National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children (2010-2022)”. Its role was to provide national leadership in this area, and to drive change in culture, behaviours, and power imbalances that cause violence against women (Our Watch, 2023).
Gender Violence Among Migrant Communities in Australia
A significant concern in the discourse of gender violence is the experience of migrant and refugee women. In Australia, a large-scale study revealed that a third of migrant and refugee women have experienced domestic and family violence (ABC News, 2021). This violence often takes the form of controlling behaviours, with 91% of those who experienced domestic and family violence reporting such experiences (Monash Lens, 2021).
Migrant women on temporary visas are particularly vulnerable. They reported higher levels of domestic and family violence, including controlling behaviours and migration-related abuse and threats, such as threats of deportation or separation from their children (Monash Lens, 2021). The fear of deportation and the potential social stigma associated with it can further isolate these women and exacerbate their vulnerability (ABC News, 2021).
Protesters are seen during a rally against gendered violence and domestic violence towards women in Newcastle in 2022. Photograph: Darren Pateman/AAP
Study shows third of migrant and refugee women experienced domestic and family violence | ABC News 2022
Comparing Migrant and Non-Migrant Communities
When comparing the prevalence of gender violence in migrant and non-migrant communities, it's important to consider the broader societal context. While the aforementioned study indicates a high prevalence of domestic and family violence among migrant and refugee women (ABC News, 2021; Monash Lens, 2021), it's crucial to note that violence against women is a pervasive issue across all communities in Australia. As mentioned earlier, 2 in 5 women (39%) have experienced violence since the age of 15, and this violence is more often perpetrated by men (Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2023).
However, the experiences of migrant and refugee women can be compounded by additional factors such as language barriers, lack of familiarity with local laws and services, and fear of deportation (ABC News, 2021; Monash Lens, 2021). These factors can make it more difficult for migrant and refugee women to seek help and access support services.
The Nordic Paradox
The Nordic Paradox, which refers to the unexpected phenomenon where countries with high levels of gender equality, like those in the Nordic region, also report high rates of gender violence, remains a significant issue. Recent reports from 2024 indicate that the paradox still exists. For instance, in Iceland, which is often ranked as the world’s most gender-equal country, about 40% of women experience gender-based and sexual violence in their lifetime. This is despite the country closing 91.2% of the male-female divide in terms of health, education, political empowerment, and economic participation (Gracia & Merlo, 2016).
Europe
European countries have some of the lowest rates of gender violence, ranging from 16% to 23%. This is likely due to the strong legal protections, social safety nets, and gender equality policies in place in many European nations (European Institute for Gender Equality, 2023).
Central Asia
Central Asian countries also have relatively low rates of gender violence, at around 18%. These countries have made significant efforts to promote gender equality and to enact laws protecting women from violence (United Nations Women, 2023).
Eastern Asia
Eastern Asian countries have a prevalence rate of around 20%. These countries often have strong legal frameworks and societal norms that discourage violence against women (United Nations Women, 2023).
South-Eastern Asia
South-Eastern Asian countries have a prevalence rate of around 21%. These countries have made strides in promoting gender equality and have implemented strong legal frameworks to protect women from violence (United Nations Women, 2023).
Countries with the Lowest Frequencies of Domestic Violence
Specific countries like Norway, Israel, New Zealand, and Sweden have reported the lowest frequencies of domestic violence. These countries have robust social systems, progressive gender equality policies, and strong legal protections against gender violence (World Health Organization, 2021).
Factors Contributing to Lower Rates of Gender Violence
The reasons for these lower rates are multifaceted and often include factors such as:
Legal Protections: Countries with strong legal protections against gender violence often have lower rates of such violence. These protections can include laws against domestic violence, sexual assault, and harassment (United Nations Women, 2023).
Gender Equality: Countries that promote gender equality tend to have lower rates of gender violence. This includes equal opportunities in education and employment, equal pay, and equal representation in politics and leadership roles (United Nations Women, 2023).
Social Programs: Social programs that provide support for victims of gender violence can also contribute to lower rates. These can include shelters, counselling services, and legal aid programs (United Nations Women, 2023).
Public Awareness: Public awareness campaigns can help to change societal attitudes towards gender violence, leading to lower rates (United Nations Women, 2023).
Actionable Steps and Further Research: The Role of Action Research Centre
At Action Research Centre (ARC), we recognise the complexities of gender inequality and gender-based violence. That’s why we’re committed to researching these topics and advocating for change. Our goal is to reduce gender inequality and gender violence through informed action.
We engage with migrant communities to understand their unique challenges and needs. This involves organising community meetings, conducting surveys, and facilitating focus group discussions via forums. We also collaborate with local policy-makers and organisations, such as schools, healthcare providers, and sector stakeholders, to provide resources and support for migrant women.
Our research extends to investigating the housing, financial, educational, and employment challenges faced by migrant women. We explore how these factors contribute to their marginality and how they intersect with gender violence. This research informs our advocacy work and helps us push for policies that protect the rights of migrant women and promote their access to housing, finance, education, and employment.
It’s important to note that even in countries with low rates of gender violence, the issue still exists and requires ongoing efforts to eliminate it completely. It’s also worth noting that reporting rates can vary between countries due to differences in societal attitudes and trust in law enforcement, which can impact the reported prevalence of gender violence. Therefore, while these statistics provide some insight, they may not fully capture the extent of the problem.
Understanding the specific experiences and challenges faced by migrant and refugee women is crucial in addressing gender violence. It's important for research, policy, and practice to consider the diversity of women's experiences and to provide culturally appropriate and accessible support services. By doing so, we can work towards a society where all women, regardless of their migration status, are safe and free from violence.
Conclusion
By understanding these complexities, we can work towards creating a society where everyone is safe and equal, regardless of their gender. This is the mission of Action Research Centre. Through our research and advocacy, we strive to reduce gender inequality and gender violence, and to support migrant women in overcoming the challenges they face. We believe that everyone has the right to live free from violence and discrimination, and we are committed to making this a reality.
References
- Australian Bureau of Statistics. (2023). Personal Safety Survey. Canberra: ABS.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare. (2023). Family, domestic and sexual violence in Australia. Canberra: AIHW.
- Connell, R. W. (2005). Masculinities. Cambridge: Polity Press.
- European Institute for Gender Equality. (2023). Gender Equality Index. Vilnius: EIGE.
- Gracia, E., & Merlo, J. (2016). Intimate partner violence against women and the Nordic paradox. Social Science & Medicine, 157, 27-30.
- Our Watch. (2023). Annual Report. Melbourne: Our Watch.
- United Nations Women. (2023). Global Database on Violence against Women. New York: UN Women.
- World Health Organization. (2021). Violence against women prevalence estimates. Geneva: WHO.
- ABC News. (2021). First large-scale study of migrant and refugee women in Australia reveals a third have experienced domestic and family violence. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-11-25/domestic-violence-migrant-women-temporary-visas/100644678
- Monash Lens. (2021). A third of migrant and refugee women experience domestic violence – Monash Lens. Retrieved from https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2021/11/25/1382831/a-third-of-migrant-and-refugee-women-experience-domestic-violence
