What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?
Gender-based violence is a general term used to capture any type of violence that is rooted in exploiting unequal power relationships between genders. GBV is violence or other harmful acts directed toward an individual based on their sex or gender identity. It can impact anyone and can include intimate partner and family violence, elder abuse, street harassment, sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power, and harmful norms (UNHCR; NYC.gov; Women for Women).
Many GBV interventions are reactive and carceral, which means that we intervene after IPV, sexual assault or other types of harm after it has happened and the consequences focus on the criminal justice system. Interventions rarely focus on being proactive and that is what PMF focuses on through our program and services. We focus on taking initiative before an incident happens, if possible.
GBV is not only a matter of social justice and human rights, but is also a public health issue.
Domestic Violence X Sexual Health
Sexual assault advocacy may involve you talking to someone about the process or assisting someone with making a police report or taking someone to get a forensic exam after an assault. In Philadelphia, PA, we have the Philadelphia Sexual Assault Resource Center (PSARC). PMF collaborates with PSARC to ensure our community members have access to needed services and information after an assault.
Denim Day Event
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, otherwise known as SAAM. During this month, people across the United States raised awareness about sexual violence, how to prevent it, and how to support those who are affected by it. Every year, PMF creates an artistic event with the goals of strengthening individual and collective knowledge and skills around sexual violence. We educate the community, especially youth about sexual assault, sexual assault policies and laws, and the various ways they can prevent, recognize, intervene, end stigma and rape culture in their community.
PMF offers stand alone education but we also have a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Prevention Project that is a youth-centered, trauma-informed project that engages youth, especially Black and LGBTQ+ youth in GBV prevention efforts, education and healing work.
The project works to raise public awareness about youth GBV and the need for accountability and healing.
Thank you to our collaboraters Lutheran Settlement House S.T.A.R Program, Young Artist Program (YAP) and One Day At A Time (ODAAT) youth after school programs.