Addressing the causes of gender-based violence
Correspondent | Friday November 27, 2020 14:39
We have also seen the humongous rise of gender violence cases despite efforts made by different stakeholders to curb it. There are reports of killings and rapes almost every week.
Violence hurts and it destroys. It takes innocent lives, it leaves victims with physical and emotional scars and everyone knows that.
However, we continue to see people losing their lives even after all the countless talks and campaigns held by individuals and some organisations to sensitise the community.
There is no change. Could it be that the real issue is not being addressed? Is it not time to switch to different approaches and try new ways to deal with GBV issues?
One might ask that with so many campaigns held about GBV across all media platforms, why are cases intensifying and why do we have so many victims? There may be a loophole somewhere and it is important that this is addressed.
The minister of Nationality, Immigration and Gender Affairs, Anna Mokgethi recently reported that government’s aim is to reduce GBV from an incidence rate of 37% to 21% in women and from 21% to 10% amongst males, but with cases being reported and registered everyday it is evident that this is going to take some time.
It is imperative that people understand that anyone can be a victim of GBV, whether male or female, although it has been apparent that the main perpetrators are males and studies have shown that over 67% of women in Botswana have experienced abuse.
Males tend to be victims of emotional abuse and some reciprocate with physical abuse. It is obvious that the way GBV cases and issues are being dealt with is not solving anything. Cases are still rising. It is also clear that the government should start looking at new ways to deal with these.
It could be a step in the right direction if we start looking at what drives an individual to be abusive and thoroughly address those issues.
Some of the drivers of this behaviour unemployment, substance abuse, and sometimes in males, the need to have control over females coming from past traditions that males are superior to females.
Some other causes include abusers being witnesses of violence while they were young or even victims of violence. They may think or believe that violence is the only way to deal with problems.
Issues like this need psychological interventions and counselling sessions.
This is not saying victims should be disregarded, but rather that there are many ways to skin a cat and complementary or alternative methods could be a solution.
Stricter laws also are very important but most address the aftermath, meaning that they are relevant after violence has already occurred. When dealing with violence, prevention is always the best cure.
The outrage that we have been hearing about GBV for the last couple of months should not disappear.
In addition, conversations and discussions being held about GBV are important but it should be kept in mind that actions speak louder than words.
TSHEGETSANG TEBELELO*
*Tebelelo is a final-year student at the University of Botswana pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Counselling. She is a published author passionate about writing