Gender-Based Violence
Gender-based violence is violence directed at a person because of their gender. It includes domestic abuse, sexual violence, harassment, and other forms of harm rooted in gender inequality. This page explains what gender-based violence is and how therapy can help.
Gender-based violence (GBV) is any harmful act directed at a person based on their gender. It includes physical, sexual, emotional, and economic violence, and disproportionately affects women and girls. GBV occurs in relationships, families, workplaces, and public spaces. Therapy provides a safe, confidential space to process these experiences, rebuild your sense of safety, and recover at your own pace.
What Is Gender-Based Violence?
Gender-based violence is a broad term covering any act of violence or abuse that is directed at someone because of their gender, or that disproportionately affects one gender. It includes:
- Domestic abuse – physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse within intimate relationships or families
- Sexual violence – including rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment
- Stalking and harassment
- Forced marriage and honour-based abuse
- Female genital mutilation (FGM)
- Trafficking and exploitation
Gender-based violence affects people of all genders, though women and girls are disproportionately affected. It is rooted in power imbalances and gender inequality, and it occurs across all cultures, classes, and communities.
The Impact of Gender-Based Violence
The effects of gender-based violence are far-reaching:
- Post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and depression
- Shame, guilt, and self-blame
- Difficulty trusting others
- Hypervigilance and difficulty feeling safe
- Sleep disturbance, nightmares, and flashbacks
- Impact on relationships, parenting, and daily functioning
- Physical health consequences
Many people affected by GBV carry these effects for years, often without recognising the connection between their current difficulties and what happened to them.
Therapy for Gender-Based Violence
Therapy provides a safe, confidential, non-judgemental space to:
- Talk about what happened at your own pace
- Process the emotional and physical impact
- Address shame, guilt, and self-blame
- Understand how the experience has shaped your relationships and sense of self
- Develop safety and self-care strategies
- Rebuild confidence, autonomy, and trust
I have specialist experience working with clients affected by gender-based violence and related forms of abuse. I work as an integrative psychotherapist. All sessions are held online via a secure video platform, making support accessible from anywhere in the UK. Online Therapy UK
Scope and Boundaries
This page covers gender-based violence as a broad category of harm – what it is, how it affects people, and how therapy can help. For the specific dynamics of coercive control, see Coercive Control. For stalking, see Stalking. For the broader context of power and control, see Power and Control. This page does not provide legal advice or serve as a substitute for specialist domestic abuse services.
Crisis and Emergency Support
If you are in immediate danger, contact emergency services by calling 999. Samaritans: 116 123 (24 hours, free). National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247 (24 hours, free). Crisis and Emergency Guidance
What is gender-based violence?
Gender-based violence is any harmful act directed at a person because of their gender. It includes domestic abuse, sexual violence, harassment, forced marriage, and other forms of harm. It disproportionately affects women and girls but can affect anyone.
Can men experience gender-based violence?
Yes. While gender-based violence disproportionately affects women and girls, men and people of all genders can experience it. If you have been affected, you deserve support regardless of your gender.
Do I need to have reported it to the police?
No. You do not need to have reported anything or taken any legal action. Many people never report their experience, and that is their right. Therapy is separate from any legal process.
How is therapy different from domestic abuse support services?
Specialist domestic abuse services focus on immediate safety, practical support, and advocacy. Therapy focuses on the emotional and psychological impact – processing what happened, understanding its effects, and supporting your recovery. Both are valuable, and they can complement each other.
Can therapy help if it happened a long time ago?
Yes. There is no time limit on the effects of gender-based violence, and there is no time limit on seeking support. Many people come to therapy years or decades after the events, often when they feel ready to process what happened.
If you have been affected by gender-based violence and would like to explore therapy, I offer a short, free introductory call. There is no obligation.