Putting gender-based violence at the centre of crisis response strategies.
During a time of crisis, support and resources often focus on immediate relief, leaving critical issues like gender-based violence overlooked. Yet, it’s in these moments that the risks of gender-based violence are even higher, making it essential to include and address GBV in all crisis responses and strategies.
There are many different types of crises, marked by a sudden deterioration of humanitarian situation and threats to security, often because of human-made or natural disasters, climate change, armed conflicts or terrorism.
Such crises can be accompanied by food insecurity, lack of access to health and social services, loss of livelihood and other risks related to safety and security. Crises can bring about forced migration, displacement or isolation, such as during pandemic for millions of people.
Who is most at risk of GBV in crises?
Women, children and marginalised groups are especially vulnerable during crises because of existing inequalities, stereotypes and gender norms and unequal access to resources, education, and decision-making.
This vulnerability increases with exposure to intersecting discrimination based on ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, social status, disability, nationality or other.
Types of GBV during crises
Research shows that crises exacerbate the risks of GBV, including sexual violence.
GBV can occur during and/or after crises in various forms, for example:
- Conflict-related sexual violence
- Torture during armed conflict
- Forced marriage
- Sexual violence during transit
- Trafficking in human beings
- GBV in reception or asylum centres
- Intimate-partner violence or domestic violence intensified during crises
GBV can take place in the countries of origin, during the migration journey or in reception country. In this section, you can learn more about different forms of GBV in crises and our recent publications and projects.
