Summary
An explanation of the differences between domestic and gender-based violence: Domestic violence happens in the home, and gender-based violence has a broader scope and can occur anywhere.
Domestic violence and gender-based violence (GBV) are related but distinct concepts:
1. Domestic Violence:
• Definition: Domestic violence refers to abusive behaviors by one person against another within a domestic setting, such as in marriage or cohabitation. It can involve physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological abuse.
• Scope: The scope of domestic violence is limited to the domestic or household setting, and it can occur between intimate partners, family members, or cohabitants.
• Examples: Spousal abuse, child abuse, elder abuse, and intimate partner violence.
2. Gender-Based Violence (GBV):
• Definition: Gender-based violence refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It encompasses a wide range of physical, sexual, and psychological violence and includes acts that are perpetrated due to societal norms and unequal power dynamics between genders.
• Scope: GBV can occur in both public and private spheres and is not confined to the home. It includes violence against women, men, and LGBTQ+ individuals, though it disproportionately affects women and girls.
• Examples: Rape, sexual harassment, female genital mutilation, trafficking, forced marriage, and honor killings.
In summary, domestic violence is specific to abusive behaviors within a domestic or household context, while gender-based violence is broader and encompasses any violence rooted in gender inequalities and power imbalances, occurring in both private and public settings.