Understanding Intimate Partner Violence and Gender-Based Violence

What is gender-based violence? 

Gender-based violence is the violence that people experience in their lives because of their gender, gender expression, gender identity, or how other people perceive their gender.

What is intimate partner violence?

Intimate partner violence, a type of gender-based violence, is psychological, physical, or sexual abuse by a current or former intimate partner or spouse. Intimate partner violence can take many forms, including humiliation, coercive control, threats, neglect, and discrimination, among others.

What are the impacts of intimate partner violence? 

The impacts from intimate partner violence can be wide-ranging and long-lasting, affecting individuals physically, psychologically, emotionally, and/or economically. Exposure to violence can have lifelong impacts on the development and mental well-being of children.

Aren’t men also at risk for experiencing intimate partner violence? 

Any effort to end violence is important. Women report experiencing violent victimization at nearly twice the rate reported by men. Gender-based violence needs unique solutions.

Statistics: 

1. Every 48 hours in Canada, one woman or girl is killed in an act of gender-based violence.
2. Most cases of intimate partner violence are not reported due to factors such as fear of shame or stigma, concerns for personal safety, misconceptions about intimate partner violence, and limited trust in the criminal justice system, among others. Anyone can experience intimate partner violence, but Indigenous Women and girls, members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community, women living with disabilities, racialized women, immigrant and newcomer women, and women who face housing insecurity are especially at risk.
3. Women experiencing intimate partner violence or other forms of gender-based violence are three to five times more likely to develop serious mental health issues like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidality

Sources:

1. Women and Gender Equality Canada. (2024). Intimate partner violence.
2. Canadian Women’s Foundation. (2024). The facts about gender-based violence.