Gender - Based Violence Cultural Determinants and Power Dimensions

Abstract

Gender Based Violence (GBV), a sub-type of violence, has strong social and cultural determinants. The intentional use of power - physical, social and economic - against women results into physical, emotional and psychological injuries. Gender Based Violence reflects the uneven power relations existing in society and the social contexts in which violence is perpetrated. Determinants of gender based violence perpetuate these offenses and the social and cultural contexts provide reasons for the supposed admissibility of these violence. Key words : Violence, Gender-Based Violence, Social Determinants, Cultural Determinants, Domestic Violence, Honour Killings, Acid Attacks, Physical Violence, Emotional Violence, and Psychological Violence.