ABSTRACT
One in three women around the world experiences gender-based violence (GBV) in her lifetime (World Health Organization, 2002). Yet this number does not reveal the full extent of the damage caused by GBV. Epidemiological evidence reveals severe repercussions of GBV beyond initial trauma, including increased risk of sexually transmitted infections, unwanted pregnancies, physical and mental disability, HIV/AIDS, and even death (Population Council, 2008). Female victims are also more likely to experience unprotected sex and have multiple sexual partners (Population Council, 2008). Whereas GBV is often considered violence against women or girls, any form of violence based on society’s gender roles or violence targeting someone based on their sex is GBV (Interagency Gender Working Group of USAID, 2006). While recognizing the violence that boys also face, this chapter will highlight women and girls as the predominant victims of GBV, specifically in school settings.
