gender baswed violence

Question 1

what is gender based violence?

Answer 1

-gender based violence is violence that is directed against a person on the basis of gender or sex
-includes physical mental or sexual harm or suffering

Question 2

who are the main victims of gender based violence?

Answer 2

women and girls

Question 3

what are examples of gender based violence in the family?

Answer 3

• battering
  -sexual exploitation
  -sexual abuse of children in the household

Question 4

what are examples of gender based violence within the general community?

Answer 4

• rape
  -sexual abuse
  -sexual harassment
  -intimidation at work, educational institutions etc

Question 5

what are examples of causes of gender based violence in society, community and relationships?

Answer 5

1. society - norms grating men control over women, acceptance of violence against women
2. poverty, low socioeconomic income
3. relationships - marital conflict, male control of wealth and decision making within the family

Question 6

what is sexual health?

Answer 6

state of physical, emotional, mental and social well being in relation to sexuality

Question 7

what are the different types of sexual violence?

Answer 7

non contact - eg photos taken, sexual harassment revenge porn
-contact eg genital touching
-penetrative abuse - eg oral, anal or vaginal penetration with penis or finger or other object

Question 8

according to the WHO, what are other types of sexual violence, other than contact, non contact or penetrative abuse?

Answer 8

-forced marriage
-denial of right to use contraception or adopt measures to protect against STI’s
-forced abortion
-violent acts against sexual integrity of women eg female genital removal
-forced prostitution

Question 9

how many women out of 3 experience physical and or sexual violence since she was 15?

Answer 9

one in 3

Question 10

what is child sexual abuse?

Answer 10

defined as sexual abuse of children and adolescents under the age of 17

Question 11

what is adult sexual assault?

Answer 11

defined as sexual violence against women or men added 17 years and above

Question 12

what are examples of psychological health consequences of intimate partner violence?

Answer 12

-alcohol and drug abuse
-depression & anxiety
-eating and sleep disorders
-feelings of shame & guilt
-phobias and panic disorder
-poor self esteem
-post traumatic stress disorder

Question 13

what are examples of sexual and reproductive consequences of intimate partner violence?

Answer 13

-gynaecological disorders
-infertility
-pelvic inflammatory disease
-sexual dysfunction
-STIs

Question 14

what is the typical acute care of a victim of sexual assault?

Answer 14

-incident occurs - at home, indoors, in nightclub etc
-victim reports to friends/family or the gardai
-gardai take details of alleged offence and inform about forensic medical examination
-victim accepts or declines FME
-appointment made within 3 hours with duty nurse in sexual assault treatment unit

Question 15

what are the 5 key principles of trauma informed care?

Answer 15

-safety
-trustworthiness
-choice
-collaboration
-empowerment

Question 16

why might some professionals not ask about sexual violence?

Answer 16

-may find the disclosure painful, feel helpless, anxious - so they incase in avoidance behaviour
-the belief that they do not have the skills to handle the situation properly
-concerned / don’t know how to respond if someone were to disclose

Question 17

why do female survivors not tell HCPs?

Answer 17

• a fear that disclosure will jeopardise their safety
  -feelings of shame, stigma, guilt and humiliation
  -fear that they won’t be taken seriously
  -belief that nothing can be done about the abuse

Question 18

what are examples of good practice mechanisms for disclosure of intimate partner violence?

Answer 18

-take them seriously and believe them
-reassure them that the violence is not their fault
-provide a safe environment to disclose
-do not discuss with the survivors partner if they are with them
-confidentiality is crucial for their safety
-do document the disclosure
-offer them info on different support options for instance, to speak with staff in a domestic violence service etc

Question 19

what are examples of bad practice for disclosure of IPV?

Answer 19

-dont ignore your intuition if you suspect someone is being abused
-dont suggest couples or family therapy
-dont make choices for them
-dont give up on them because things are taking longer than you think they should

Question 20

what are examples of some barriers that affect the disclosure of sexual violence?

Answer 20

-shame, embarrassment, guilt etc
-effects of rape myths and stereotyped beliefs
-lack of awareness about sexual violence and available supports
-concerns about confidentiality and privacy