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Gender-Based Violence as a Violation of Womens Human Rights Gender-based violence in general and violence against women by their partners in particular is a historical phenomenon in many cultures, with no limits of age, social class, race, ideology or religion.
Several decades ago, the various manifestations of this type of violence began to be understood as a violation of human rights, based on the principle of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.
Thus gender-based violence was configured as a complex issue whose existence is based fundamentally on the inequality between men and women an inequality that is culturally constructed, and which is legitimized and reproduced by social structures.
Family Violence
The most common and perverse manifestation of violence against women is that which is inflicted in their most intimate environments, in surroundings that are supposed to welcome, cultivate, develop and bring out the best in human beings the family.
Chile: 1994
Enactment of the Family Violence Act, following four years of Parliamentary proceedings. A strong message from the state regarding punishment of family violence. A clear indication that this is an issue of profound interest to the state, as it gives family violence an eminently social character.
Violence Against Women in the Family Sphere Today there is a broader awareness that all women, regardless of their age, race, religion or social condition, are vulnerable or exposed to violence and abuses of power by their partners.
Witnessing violence leaves children very scared, distressed and anxious about their own safety and that of their mother and siblings. Around 60% of children who live with an abused mother are or will be directly abused by their mothers aggressor.
Children who experience family violence also develop coping strategies. One of the most common strategies is skipping school, which always exposes them to other risks. Other coping strategies include alcohol and drug use, involvement in street fights, and selfdestructive behaviors. Studies show that children who are abused are more likely to suffer psychiatric disorders in adulthood, and reproduce and/or become victims of violent behavior.
Final Remarks
Family violence is part of an extensive range of violent acts that occur in the private and public spheres, committed mainly by men, and whose principal victims are women and children. Violence against women, particularly at the hands of their partners, is a serious human rights violation, and an obstacle to the development of democratic societies.
Family violence limits or hinders womens full exercise of their rights. Therefore, addressing this problem will always require policies and actions to which states are actively committed. Family violence will always have a devastating effect on the lives of children, since it is an experience of brutal isolation for them, and asking for help can be a difficult, solitary exercise. The issue of family violence must be addressed from a gender-based perspective, especially with children and starting at a very early age working with them to build new gender references that are equitable and democratic.