Abuse and violence are unfortunate phenomena that can affect any member of society regardless of their age, skin colour, social status or gender.
In recent years, South Africa has been plagued by the scourge of gender-based violence (GBV) and cases of violence against women and children which have widely been reported by the media.
Government continues to condemn this and calls for society to unite in order to win the fight against GBV.
However, it is easy for people to confuse GBV with domestic violence, although both are not ideal in society.
The GBV Command Centre Manager Nomathemba Malvern explained the difference between the two.
“Domestic violence includes any form of violence and abuse that happens within a family unit, whereas gender-based violence involves men and women, in which the female is usually the target, and is derived from unequal power relationships between men and women,” she said.
She added that GBV also affects members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender/transsexual, intersex and queer/questioning (LGBTIQ) community.
If you are in an abusive relationship, you must get help. There are a number of organisations that help victims of violence and abuse.
Email
Facebook
Twitter
WhatsApp