Understanding Gender Based Violence Module 1 Session 7 Introduction Gender based violence is violence faced by a person/people due to the subordinate position in society created by interpretations of what it means to be a particular sex. Gender based violence can be experienced by both men and women but is largely experienced by women. Gender based violence includes any act of violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life Gender based violence is prevalent in Sri Lanka. Incidences of rape, sexual harassment, domestic violence, incest, assault, obscenity against women, unwanted advances, perverted acts, forced pornography, forced prostitution and media violence all prevail in Sri Lankan society. Although the lack of systematic data has prevented a full understanding of gender based violence, its prevalence and patterns, there are a number of specific writings as well as information from service providers that show a high prevalence and diverse forms of gender based violence faced by women (and children) in the country. These issues receive attention from diverse sectors, the State, non government sector and civil society, which address preventive measures and provide redress for victims. Despite this attention, violence against women continues to take place in the private and public sphere and the measures taken to prevent and redress, remain insufficient. Objective • To provide an understanding of gender based violence, the definitions of gender based violence, and introductions to the normative framework and national instruments that address gender based violence, resulting in Increased knowledge on gender based violence Specific knowledge on definition of gender based violence Specific knowledge on the normative framework and national instruments that address gender based violence Activity 1 To provide an understanding of gender based violence • • • • 74 Provide participants with flash cards with types of violence written on them (Violence Cards). These cards are provided below. Ask participants to post the cards on the chart provided (Violence Chart). The chart has three columns titled ‘Affecting MEN more’, ‘Affecting WOMEN more’, and ‘Affecting BOTH equally’ You are provided with a filled chart on how the cards should be placed. Discuss why the different cards were posted in the different places. Change and correct as you go on. Discuss how women are more vulnerable to violence and conclude that this is the reason for gender based violence to focus largely on violence against women.