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Gender based violence abusers, if the law does not expose you the media will.

 

#GenderBasedViolence


Is it not sad how some people feel entitled to abuse the next person? Gender based violence is a phenomenon in gender inequality, it is an infinite and unjustified violence against a person because of their gender. Gender based violence is the most common human rights violation in the world, it has absolutely no form of boundaries. Even though it is the most violated human right in the world, it remains embodied in a culture of silence, gender-based violence victims are ripped of their dignity, health autonomy and security yet in most cases remains unpunished.


The media is a tool that could be effectively used to help expose gender-based violence abuser and raise awareness to the world. Like we all know by now the media is a double-edged sword, hence absolute transparency and sensibility is required when sharing GBV stories, as whatever is posted on media platforms cannot be erased, if not published accordingly the publication could serve as a to trigger to GBV victims. It is through social media platforms that we have seen GBV victims share their experiences and encourage other fellow victims to speak up and continue to raise awareness, it is a crime and should certainly not continue to go on and punished.



Public relations practitioners can use the media to help educate people on how to effectively support the GBV campaigns and survivors. Gender based violence remains a sensitive topic in our communities of today one in three women have experienced or is experiencing physical or sexual violence.





An effective GBV campaign and use of social media, was shown for Uyinene (Nene) Mrwetyana. A student at the University of Cape town who was victim of gender-based violence, her story is a perfect example of how the media and effective PR campaigns against gender-based violence brought her abuser to justice. It is through such campaigns that social media gave a voice to the GBV victims.



To ensure awareness is raised correctly without offending or triggering anyone, it is important for public relations practitioners as well as media individuals to consult experts such as past victims of GBV who are now in the media industry. Ensuring they get an insight on how best to address the situation or support the victims, it is important to educate the public on what to say, when to say and how to say it. 







Comments

  1. 1 in 3 women experience sexual/physical abuse?? 😮That is not good. That is a whole lot of women.
    Media needs to help out on this. Expose those that are abusers and raise awareness for women on how to avoid abusive relationships/situations. Also teach women to stand up for themselves. As well as self defense. These numbers really need to reduce.!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hence the importance of educating people on such matters

      Delete
  2. On behalf of man, I apologise to every lady that has ever been abused/violated. I agree with you Nora, the media needs to create more awareness. These numbers got to decrease, we can't have go any higher.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I agree Nora, the media needs to be more sensitive to what information they put out there, it should encourage more women to open up and expose these perpetrators without fearing for their lives.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wrong information is really harmful, and is becoming hard to control with the new gen!

      Delete
  4. It is absolutely appalling how 1 out of 3 women is abused. We as a humans, sisters, brothers, husbands and wives need to do a better job in exposing GBV. Media plays such a great role as the voice of the victims and exposing the perpetrators while educating others on what NOT to do.

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  5. Wooooooooooooow i can’t believe our reality as women

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  6. Fighting GBV doesn't start when you see two opposite gender fighting , but it starts with you. On how do you speak to other people. What you do or say to other people and how you behave or act around other people. How you address other people and how respond to other people also generalization hides the problem and the perpetrators . It becomes difficult to find solutions, because everyone denies the allegations, meanwhile the number of victims increases. It pushes those who want to help away and those who are guilty not to see their fault.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Very true, in simple words humanity starts with you.

      Delete
  7. Very informative information ,when it comes to social media people should be more sensitive and careful to what they post because it can trigger some people especially victims ,therefor when it comes to #GBV social media should be used to raise awareness and also to support victims.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. These triggers are dangerous as they can lead to worse dangers

      Delete
  8. I absolutely agree. Amazing write-up!

    ReplyDelete

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