The phenomenon of gender-based violence (GBV) is traditionally referred to as a shadow pandemic an epidemic existing in the shadow, behind closed doors and in the loopholes of social and legal frameworks. Nevertheless, even with the campaigns of awareness the crisis is on the rise, and it is reaching all parts of the society, all age groups and all socioeconomic classes.

The plot is recurring in urban areas where life is hectic and traditional villages with a firm history of unjust treatment against women, girls, and minorities of any gender. The method of domestic violence and harassment at the workplace may vary, but the scheme is all too familiar.

A Global Problem with Local Reflections

A number of reports by different human-rights organizations across the world indicated that 1 out of three women has been subjected to an act of physical or sexual torture at some stage in her life. Such numbers, though frightening, do not reflect the true extent of the problem since there are many cases that remain unreported because of fear, stigma, or a deficit of support. In most societies, mistreatment has been accepted, disregarded as a family issue or even concealed under cultural taboos.
In the recent years, virtual realms, which were once praised as the sites of empowerment, have turned out to be new frontlines. Women and marginalized genders, online threats and cyberstalking, and image-based abuse are in ever-increasing numbers of online threats, creating a discussion of safety on the virtual scene.

The Roots Run Deep

Analysts cite the same root cause that is the system of gender inequality. Negative stereotyping, strict social roles, and patriarchal standards still perpetuate the notion that one gender is superior to another. With economic dependence, illiteracy of the law and the influence of the law not being enforced, the seed of violence will be planted and grow abundantly.

Societal and Economic Costs

Gender-based violence does not only have an individual effect. Children who witness violence at home tend to bring about the emotional effects of violence to their adulthood. Work places are impacted with reduced productivity and families are not able to have a stable financial situation and national health care systems cost a fortune treating both physical and psychological damages.

Changing the Narrative

On the one hand, the bleak statistics are encouraging because the change is making progress, albeit slowly but consistently. Civil societies are educating communities to help them identify signs of abuse at an early stage. Gender sensitivity is being introduced in schools. Stronger laws, increased enforcement, and systems that provide support to the survivors are being pushed to policymakers. Campaigns via social media, mostly spearheaded by young activists, are shattering decades-old taboos. And more than awareness is needed the way forward. It will take a group response: bystanders who do not turn a blind eye, workplaces that have microaggression-free policies, communities that have broken the unhealthy norms of culture, and governments that lead in gender justice.

A Call to Action

Gender-based violence is not a women issue, but a human issue. It requires compassion, learning and determined efforts to deal with it. It is only then that society will not tolerate any act of violence and hence all individuals irrespective of their gender can live with decency, security, and freedom.
The silence must end. The world must listen. And, most importantly, act.

Email:---------------------kuldeep.e11620@cumail.in