{"id":59924,"date":"2023-12-06T08:18:58","date_gmt":"2023-12-06T08:18:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence"},"modified":"2023-12-06T08:49:19","modified_gmt":"2023-12-06T08:49:19","slug":"debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence","title":{"rendered":"Debunking myths about gender-based violence"},"content":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. <\/strong><\/span>As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it\u2019s time to address the harmful practices and myths that keep the GBV flame burning.<\/p>\n

This article aims to debunk misconceptions and shed light on the harmful beliefs that contribute to the perpetuation of GBV, drawing on research from credible sources such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion (MIGEPROF), and other global networks.<\/p>\n

Prepare to call out these myths for what they are \u2013 nonsense! If you believe in these myths, you might as well be handing out GBV Club membership cards.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is the victim\u2019s fault if they\u2019re abused\/raped\u201d<\/p>\n

One perpetuating myth surrounding GBV is the idea that it is the victim\u2019s fault for experiencing abuse or rape. This not only places blame on victim but also absolves the perpetrator of responsibility.<\/p>\n

Understanding that no one deserves to be abused or violated, regardless of their actions, appearance, or circumstances, would emphasise the importance of consent, changing the misconception that victims are somehow responsible for the violence inflicted upon them.<\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Normal\u2019 families in a household do not experience abuse\u201d<\/p>\n

Another prevalent myth is the notion that abuse only occurs in dysfunctional households. This in turn discourages individuals from reporting domestic violence, fearing they will be seen as \u2018abnormal\u2019 or weak.<\/p>\n

In reality, GBV can affect any household, irrespective of socioeconomic status or outward appearance. By dispelling this myth, we can create a safe space for open dialogue and support, encouraging those experiencing abuse to seek help without judgment or stigmatisation.<\/p>\n

\u201cOnly women experience gender-based violence\u201d<\/p>\n

Gender-based violence is not an exclusive plague for women. Contrary to popular perception, gender-based violence affects people of all genders.<\/p>\n

The latest Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey showed that both women and men experience physical, sexual, and psychological violence. Nevertheless, the issue of GBV against men often remains hidden due to societal stereotypes and underreporting.<\/p>\n

\u201cMen have the right to control their wives\u2019 behaviour and discipline them\u201d<\/p>\n

As a proper Gen Z would say, POV the 1950s called, and they want their outdated beliefs back!<\/p>\n

Violence against women is not a twisted form of relationship goals. It reinforces power imbalances within relationships and justifies abusive behaviour. Violence against women is a human rights violation, regardless of any perceived \u2018provocation\u2019.<\/p>\n

\u201cIntimate partner violence victims can leave if they want to\u201d<\/p>\n

Victims and survivors of intimate partner violence often face numerous barriers that prevent them from leaving, including financial dependency, lack of support networks, fear of further violence, and psychological manipulation from their abusers.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s important to understand that leaving an abusive relationship is a complex and challenging process that requires empathy and comprehensive support systems.<\/p>\n

\u201cGender-based violence only includes physical abuse\u201d<\/p>\n

GBV encompasses various forms of violence, not just physical abuse. Emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse can be equally damaging and traumatic. Recognising the full spectrum of GBV allows for comprehensive efforts to prevent and address violence in all its manifestations.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen love violent partners\u201d<\/p>\n

This harmful myth suggests that some women are drawn to abuse or enjoy it, perpetuating victim-blaming and minimising the responsibility of abusers.<\/p>\n

They are not masochistic; they endure violence due to complex dynamics, power imbalances, fear, or lack of resources. No one actively seeks out abusive relationships, and it is the abuser who bears the responsibility for their actions.<\/p>\n

\u201cViolence is a private family matter; everyone else should mind their business\u201d<\/p>\n

GBV is not a private issue, and by perpetuating a culture of silence, we enable abusers to carry on.<\/p>\n

Families and communities must intervene, support victims, and actively work towards preventing and addressing GBV.<\/p>\n

\u201cWives need to obey their in-laws\u201d<\/p>\n

Harsh treatment from in-laws shouldn\u2019t be a marital norm, this is the 21st century, not a medieval drama!<\/p>\n

This harmful belief perpetuates unequal power dynamics within families and contributes to GBV. Respectful and equitable relationships should replace traditional roles that reinforce patriarchal norms and devalue women\u2019s autonomy and inherent worth.<\/p>\n

\u201cSex workers can\u2019t suffer rape because they are \u2018selling sex\u2019 anyway\u201d<\/p>\n

The Rwandan law explicitly states that, regardless of a person\u2019s profession, job, appearance, or consent to engage in sexual acts, forcing anyone into any form of sexual act against their will constitutes rape.<\/p>\n

No distinction should be made based on occupation or any other factors. All individuals, irrespective of their background or circumstances, deserve equal human rights and protection from violence.<\/p>\n

\u201cWomen shouldn\u2019t deny their partner sex\u201d<\/p>\n

Consent doesn\u2019t go out of the window once you say, \u201cI do\u201d. The myth that women cannot deny their male partner\u2019s sex perpetuates the harmful idea that consent is not essential in marriages.<\/p>\n

Yet, everyone has the right to make decisions about their own body, sexual intimacy, and boundaries at any time, whether married or not.<\/p>\n

\u201cDivorced or widowed women have less value\u201d<\/p>\n

This myth often stigmatises divorced or widowed women, undermining their worth and subjecting them to discrimination, abuse, or neglect.<\/p>\n

Every person, regardless of their marital status, deserves respect, dignity, and equal opportunities.<\/p>\n

For More News And Analysis About Rwanda<\/a> Follow Africa-Press<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Africa-Press – Rwanda. As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it\u2019s time to address the harmful practices and myths that keep the GBV flame burning. This article aims to debunk misconceptions and shed light on the harmful beliefs that contribute to the perpetuation of GBV, drawing on research from […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":84,"featured_media":59923,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[24,30],"tags":[760,763,758],"class_list":["post-59924","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-all-news","category-community","tag-africa-press","tag-africa-press-rwanda","tag-rwanda"],"yoast_head":"\nDebunking myths about gender-based violence - Rwanda<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it\u2019s time to address the harmful practic ...\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Debunking myths about gender-based violence\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"As the world marks the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), it\u2019s time to address the harmful practic ...\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Rwanda\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-12-06T08:18:58+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-12-06T08:49:19+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/static.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sites\/23\/2023\/12\/sm_1701839847.527385.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"666\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"cfeditoren\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"cfeditoren\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"4 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"cfeditoren\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/#\/schema\/person\/068c7ab4e9634ae78ec5d54ec46598bb\"},\"headline\":\"Debunking myths about gender-based violence\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-12-06T08:18:58+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-12-06T08:49:19+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence\"},\"wordCount\":861,\"commentCount\":0,\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/static.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/sites\/23\/2023\/12\/sm_1701839847.527385.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"Africa Press\",\"Africa Press-Rwanda\",\"Rwanda\"],\"articleSection\":[\"all news\",\"Community\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.africa-press.net\/rwanda\/all-news\/debunking-myths-about-gender-based-violence\",\"name\":\"Debunking myths about gender-based violence - 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