Gender-based violence is a serious safeguarding concern that can affect children, young people and adults across all areas of society. It can happen at home, in education, in relationships, at work, in public places and online.
Although women and girls are disproportionately affected, anyone can experience gender-based violence, including boys, men, and people who identify as non-binary or other genders.
Gender-based violence is not limited to physical harm. It can involve sexual harassment, psychological abuse, threats, controlling behaviour, discrimination and other forms of violence connected to a person's sex, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.
Understanding what gender-based violence looks like, why some people face additional risks and how to respond to concerns is an important part of safeguarding.
What Is Gender-Based Violence?
The Council of Europe describes gender-based violence as harm directed at a person or group because of their actual or perceived sex, gender, sexual orientation or gender identity.
It involves an imbalance of power and is intended to humiliate, control or make someone feel inferior or subordinate.
Gender-based violence is deeply connected to social and cultural attitudes, expectations and stereotypes. It can be reinforced when harmful behaviour is ignored, excused or not reported.
It can occur in private settings, such as family homes and intimate relationships, or in public environments, including educational institutions, workplaces, communities and online spaces.
The World Health Organization has described violence against women as a major global public health problem and a fundamental violation of human rights.
What Are the Different Forms of Gender-Based Violence?
Gender-based violence can take many forms. Some are immediately recognisable, while others may be more difficult to identify.
1. Domestic Abuse and Intimate Partner Violence
Domestic abuse may involve physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial harm.
Examples include:
- Controlling access to money, food, transport, clothing or accommodation.
- Threatening, intimidating or isolating a partner.
- Physical assaults or other acts of violence.
- Sexual activity without full and informed consent.
- Stalking, harassment and emotional abuse.
Children may also be used as a means of controlling a partner. This can include threatening to remove children, making them spy on a parent or using disputes over custody to maintain control.
2. Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment
Sexual violence includes rape and other sexual acts carried out without full and informed consent.
Sexual harassment can include unwanted sexual comments, sexualised language and behaviour, including harassment by strangers in public places.
It may also occur between peers in educational settings.
Examples identified in the safeguarding materials include:
- Unwanted sexual touching.
- Pressure to engage in sexual activity.
- Sexual name-calling.
- Rumours about someone's sexual activity.
- Pressure to share sexual images.
- Sharing intimate images without consent.
3. Psychological and Emotional Violence
Psychological abuse can be used to intimidate, isolate or control someone.
It may involve threats, verbal insults, humiliation, harassment, stalking, emotional abuse and coercion.
A person experiencing this type of violence may not have visible injuries, but the psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting.
4. So-Called Honour-Based Abuse and Harmful Practices
Gender-based violence can include abuse associated with family or community expectations.
Examples include:
- Forced marriage and child marriage.
- Female genital mutilation (FGM).
- Forced circumcision.
- Forced pregnancy, abortion or sterilisation.
- So-called honour-based abuse.
- Exorcism associated with a person's gender, gender identity or sexuality.
These practices may involve physical violence, psychological harm, intimidation or coercion.
5. Gender-Based Bullying and Online Abuse
Gender-based violence can also take the form of physical or psychological bullying.
Online abuse is an increasingly important safeguarding concern, including gender-based harassment, hateful language and the misuse of sexual images.
The safeguarding materials highlight how sexist, homophobic and transphobic language and behaviour can become normalised when not challenged.
6. Human Trafficking and Slavery
Human trafficking and slavery are also identified within the safeguarding materials as possible forms of gender-based violence.
These forms of exploitation can involve control, coercion and abuse linked to a person's gender or identity.
How Common Is Gender-Based Violence?
The 2024 safeguarding presentation includes findings from Girlguiding, Stonewall and the Office for National Statistics.
The figures highlight the scale of gender-related harm and harassment.
77% of girls aged 7–21 reported experiencing online harm in the previous year.
59% of girls aged 13–21 had seen or experienced sexual harassment.
55% of girls aged 7–21 had received negative comments about their appearance.
47% of girls aged 11–21 felt less safe because of sexism and misogyny.
The presentation also reported that:
- One in three domestic abuse victims are male.
- Hate crimes had increased by 112% over the preceding five years.
- Approximately 3,000 cases of violence against women were recorded each day.
These are figures cited in the November 2024 training materials and should be understood as historical findings, rather than current 2026 statistics.
Gender-Based Violence in Schools and Colleges
Gender-based violence is not confined to people's homes or relationships. It can also occur in schools, colleges and workplaces.
A 2024 UNISON survey highlighted concerns about sexism and sexual harassment in educational settings.
Among the findings presented:
- One in ten female support staff in secondary schools had experienced sexual harassment.
- One in seven respondents had witnessed sexual harassment in the workplace within the previous five years.
- Two in five people who experienced sexual harassment had not reported it to senior leaders because they believed nothing would be done.
- One in seven respondents reported experiencing sexist language.
- 15% of staff reported verbal abuse because of their sex or gender.
- More than four in ten did not know whether their school had a sexual harassment policy.
- Two in five did not know how to respond if they witnessed behaviour they believed was sexist.
The materials also reference Ofsted's 2021 review of sexual abuse in schools and colleges.
Among the girls who responded, reported experiences or observations of harmful sexual behaviour among people their age included:
| Behaviour | Percentage |
| Sexist name-calling | 92% |
| Receiving unwanted sexual pictures or videos | 88% |
| Rumours about sexual activity | 81% |
| Unwanted sexual comments | 80% |
| Pressure to provide sexual images | 80% |
| Sexual assault of any kind | 79% |
| Sharing images without consent | 73% |
| Pressure to engage in unwanted sexual activity | 68% |
| Unwanted touching | 64% |
| Being photographed or filmed without consent | 59% |
| Circulation of images without the person's knowledge | 51% |
These figures describe the responses in the review, not the percentage of all learners who personally experienced each behaviour.
The review also identified a significant gap between what students reported experiencing and what staff understood was happening.
Some young people described widespread sharing of intimate images, body shaming, sexist insults and homophobic or transphobic bullying.
This demonstrates why safeguarding concerns should not be dismissed simply because adults have not personally witnessed the behaviour.
Who Is More Vulnerable to Gender-Based Violence?
Anyone can experience gender-based violence, but certain circumstances may increase vulnerability or create barriers to seeking help.
Women and Girls
Women and girls experience gender-based violence disproportionately.
However, this must not lead to overlooking male victims or people of other gender identities.
Children and Young People with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND)
Children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities may experience additional difficulties accessing support.
These can include communication barriers, physical barriers, isolation or difficulties being believed.
LGBTQ+ Children and Young People
LGBTQ+ individuals, including those perceived to be LGBTQ+, may face gender-based harassment or abuse.
Some may fear that reporting abuse will result in their sexual orientation or gender identity being disclosed without their agreement.
Others may be concerned about homophobic or transphobic responses.
People Experiencing Poverty or Homelessness
Poverty, homelessness and financial dependency may increase vulnerability and make leaving an abusive situation more difficult.
People with Insecure Immigration Status
Immigration-related insecurity can create additional barriers to reporting abuse or seeking support.
Cultural and Family Expectations
Some individuals may experience pressure associated with family or community expectations.
Barriers to reporting may include language difficulties, experiences of racism or fears about bringing shame or dishonour upon the family.
Increased vulnerability does not mean abuse is inevitable. It means some people may face greater risks or additional obstacles to getting help.
What Are the Effects of Gender-Based Violence?
Gender-based violence can have serious physical, emotional, psychological and social consequences.
The safeguarding materials identify the following potential effects:
Physical Health
- Physical injuries.
- Physical ill-health.
- Unwanted pregnancy.
Emotional and Mental Health
- Anxiety and depression.
- Psychological distress.
- Emotional ill-health.
- Low self-esteem.
Behavioural and Social Effects
- Substance misuse.
- Risk-taking behaviours.
- Social isolation.
- Difficulties developing relationships.
Longer-Term Vulnerabilities
- Increased vulnerability to exploitation.
- Poverty.
- Ongoing mental and physical health difficulties.
The impact can be profound and long-lasting, affecting a person's wellbeing and their ability to feel safe.
Recognising the Warning Signs of Gender-Based Violence
Not everyone experiencing gender-based violence will disclose what is happening.
Some individuals may fear retaliation, embarrassment, disbelief or losing control over what happens after reporting.
Possible warning signs include:
Changes in behaviour
- Increased aggression.
- Non-compliance in education.
- Difficulty concentrating.
- Difficulty developing relationships.
Emotional and psychological indicators
- Poor self-esteem.
- Anxiety or depression.
- Eating disorders.
- Self-harm.
Changes in education
- Reduced attendance.
- Lower attainment.
- Changes in engagement or behaviour.
Other indicators
- Substance misuse.
- Behaviour that appears unusual or concerning for that individual.
These signs are not proof of gender-based violence. They can overlap with indicators of other forms of abuse.
However, if something appears wrong or inconsistent with what is known about a learner, it is important to raise the concern with the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
Safeguarding Scenario: Khadija and James
The safeguarding training includes a scenario involving two 17-year-old college students, Khadija and James.
They met at college and began a relationship, but only their friends know about it.
Khadija's parents hold very orthodox views, and her father suspects she has a boyfriend. He has started arriving at college at different times to check on her.
Khadija is also not permitted to socialise outside college unless she is with family.
What Happens?
James approaches a member of staff because Khadija has not attended college for two days.
Her friends have told him that her father discovered their relationship and that Khadija has been locked in her bedroom and beaten by her father and uncle.
James cannot contact Khadija because she is not answering his messages.
He is extremely distressed, blames himself and fears that her family may also attack him.
What Are the Safeguarding Concerns?
Several serious concerns arise:
- Allegations of physical violence against Khadija.
- Reports that she has been confined to her bedroom.
- Her unexplained absence from college.
- Controlling behaviour by family members.
- Possible gender-based or so-called honour-based abuse.
- Potential threats to James's safety.
- Emotional distress affecting James.
What Should Happen Next?
The accompanying DSL information sheet identifies the following actions:
- Report the concern to the DSL immediately. The allegations indicate a potentially serious safeguarding incident.
- Gather relevant information. The DSL should establish what Khadija's friends know, alongside the information James has already shared.
- Make an urgent referral to Children's Services. The scenario guidance recommends referral without consent, with possible police involvement because of the alleged assault and confinement.
- Consider James's safety. His parents should be contacted and appropriate safety advice and support arranged.
- Provide pastoral support. James and Khadija's friends may require emotional support.
- Plan ongoing support. The college should consider appropriate arrangements for both students, including if and when Khadija returns.
This scenario demonstrates how gender-based violence may be connected to controlling relationships, family expectations, physical abuse and threats to others.
It also shows why safeguarding professionals must consider the safety of everyone affected.
Why Might Someone Not Report Gender-Based Violence?
There are many reasons why children and young people may hesitate to disclose abuse.
The safeguarding materials identify concerns such as:
- Fear that they will not be believed.
- Worry that they will be blamed.
- Concern that reporting will make matters worse.
- Fear of being labelled a 'snitch'.
- Worry about losing control over what happens next.
- Belief that nothing will be done.
- Embarrassment about sexual images or previous behaviour.
- Fear of family or community consequences.
These barriers can make abuse difficult to identify.
Creating an environment where learners feel comfortable discussing difficult subjects is therefore an essential part of safeguarding.
How Can Gender-Based Violence Be Prevented?
Educational settings have an important role in challenging the attitudes and behaviours that contribute to gender-based violence.
The safeguarding guidance recommends:
Promote Equality and Respect
Encourage equality, informed choice and respect for differences.
Challenge Gender Stereotypes
Avoid assumptions about how people should behave because of their sex or gender.
Challenge language and behaviour that reinforces harmful stereotypes.
Address Bullying and Harassment
Gender-based bullying, sexual harassment and discriminatory language should be challenged promptly.
Promote Safe Relationships
Help learners understand the importance of safe relationships with family members, peers and staff.
Remove Barriers to Reporting
Create a culture where people feel able to discuss difficult experiences without fear of being dismissed or blamed.
Recognise and Report Concerns
Staff should know the signs of gender-based violence and follow their setting's safeguarding procedures.
What Should You Do If You Are Concerned?
If you believe a learner or another young person may be experiencing gender-based violence:
- Take the concern seriously.
- Listen to the person.
- Recognise potential signs of abuse.
- Follow safeguarding procedures.
- Report concerns to the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
- Consider barriers that may prevent someone from speaking openly.
- Continue taking appropriate action until the person is safe.
Gender-based violence should never be dismissed because the victim is male, because the abuse happens online or because the behaviour has become normalised within a group.
Conclusion
Gender-based violence can take many forms, from sexual harassment and emotional abuse to serious physical violence and exploitation.
It affects people of different ages, backgrounds and gender identities, although women and girls are disproportionately affected.
Recognising the signs is only one part of safeguarding. It is equally important to challenge harmful stereotypes, promote respectful relationships and create environments where people feel safe to report concerns.
Whether you are learning, working or supporting someone else, understanding gender-based violence can help you recognise when something is wrong and know when to seek safeguarding support.
Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and free from violence.
Recognise the signs. Challenge harmful behaviour. Report concerns.
Source: Safeguarding Network, Gender-Based Violence safeguarding resources, November 2024.