GBV in Gaza

GBV in Gaza

Gender-Based Violence in Palestine is not only a result of deeply rooted patriarchal norms, but also a consequence of the experience of political violence. Existing literature shows a direct link between the increase in sexual and gender-based violence (S/GBV) and exposure to occupation-related violence. The more people are exposed to violence from the occupation, the more likely they will take it home with them. The correlation between political violence and patriarchal structures means levels of violence in Gaza are significantly high. Currently, gender-based violence in Gaza is recording high rates, albeit a key protection and health concern. However, the protracted humanitarian crises in Gaza have exacerbated GBV in all its forms, entailing sexual violence, domestic violence, physiological violence, psychological violence, verbal violence, socio-economic violence, and child marriage.

Statistics

The UN Women Palestine reported that although sexual assault and rape continues to be underreported, around 15% of ever-married women have been exposed to sexual violence in the Gaza Strip and more than half of these experienced it repeatedly (3+ times). According to the OCHA- occupied Palestinian territory, almost one in three Palestinian women reported violence by their husbands in 2018-2019. What worsens the situation more is that 50% of Palestinian women and 63% of Palestinian men agreed that a woman should tolerate violence to keep the family together, the UN Women Palestine reported.

YVS’s GBV work:

Let Me Tell You My Story (LMTYMS) is a YVS flagship programme aimed at ending gender-based violence in Palestine. In partnership with the Palestine Solidarity Organization of Sweden and 5 Palestinian organisations in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Lebanon.

LMTYMS seeks to train 25 female activists in cinema and filmmaking in Palestine. The activists will then use their new skills to promote gender equality in the local communities by producing 5 GBV awareness-raising films, implementing cinema activities ensued by facilitated discussions through local and international organisations.

Specialist MHPSS unit for survivors of GBV

Inspired by affecting change and leading more community-based initiatives in the field, YVS established the MHPSS Unit to provide victims and survivors of GBV with MHPSS. The MHPSS Unit was managed and directed by 3 specialists and life coaches. The unit partnered with the Gaza Community Mental Health Programme in order to refer critical cases to them. In 2020, 2021, and 2022 about 1100 women and girls benefited from this unit. The activities conducted at this unit are guided by different manuals including the manual recently produced by YVS, which is Psychosocial Support Therapy through Music. YVS produced this manual as a part of its project with the Canada Feminist Fund, which is Play It for Change (PIC).

More info on Play it for Change can be found on its dedicated Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083575500443