Gender-Based Violence (GBV) broadly refers to various forms of violence which are rooted in gender inequality. Forms of GBV can include, but are not limited to, rape, sexual assault, domestic abuse, forced marriage, stalking, FGM, harassment and exploitation.

While women disproportionately experience GBV and perpetrators are overwhelmingly men, anyone can experience these forms of violence regardless of age, gender identity, race or sexuality. No one deserves to be abused and it is OK to ask for support. You don't have to cope on your own.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of behaviour that leaves you feeling scared, intimidated or controlled. It doesn’t have to involve physical violence, though some people may experience physical violence. Domestic abuse can include emotional, financial, sexual and/or digital abuse. Perpetrators of domestic abuse attempt to gain power and control over their partner. They may do this by limiting the survivor’s contact with family, friends and support systems, by degrading and insulting them, by monitoring their behaviour or making threats.

Sometimes people think that domestic abuse only takes place in long term relationships where partners share a home, but anyone can experience domestic abuse including teenagers and young people. Domestic abuse is never the victim/survivor’s fault. You have the right to feel safe and you don’t have to cope on your own.

Sexual violence is what happens when someone does not consent to a sexual act. It doesn’t have to involve physical violence. There are many different kinds of sexual violence including rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment, sharing images without consent, childhood sexual abuse and stalking. When people experience sexual violence, they may experience some difficult feelings and impacts. This might include feeling numb, anxious, depressed, ashamed and/or angry.

Some survivors may find it difficult to concentrate at university and may experience flashbacks, nightmares, insomnia and social isolation. These are natural responses to trauma and while it can be difficult to manage these impacts, it’s OK to feel this way. No one ever deserves or asks for sexual violence to happen and you don’t have to cope on your own.