GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST PEOPLE OF COLOR IS OFTEN A PATHWAY TO GUN VIOLENCE, AND THE GUN VIOLENCE PREVENTION MOVEMENT MUST ADVOCATE FOR SOLUTIONS THAT INVEST IN SURVIVORS.
Time and time again, news headlines tell stories of gun violence tied to a history of gender-based violence. In many instances, gender-based violence is an act of gun violence, and in many more, it is the warning sign before the gun. Gender-based violence impacts more than just the survivor, it can have a lasting impact on families and entire communities—including increasing the risks of later acts of gun violence.
We cannot end gender-based gun violence if our policy solutions do not see survivor care as a critical part of gun violence prevention. Leaders must understand the root causes of gender-based gun violence, treat it as a public health issue, and invest in community solutions that empower and support survivors and their communities before gun violence occurs.
THE COMMUNITY JUSTICE ACTION FUND IS COMMITTED TO:
WHAT IS GENDER BASED VIOLENCE?
When referring to gender-based violence, we are referring to harm, including physical, verbal, sexual,and emotional abuse directed towards a person because of their gender, gender identity, gender expression, or gender performance.
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE INCLUDES A WIDE RANGE OF HARMFUL BEHAVIOR, SOME EXAMPLES INCLUDE:
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE— Violence (including sexual violence, physical violence,and/or stalking), insults, or threats by an intimate partner such as a spouse, a boyfriend, girlfriend, partner, or any person that the survivor has dated.
SEXUAL VIOLENCE— Unwanted, physical sexual acts, including unwanted touching or kissing of the intimate nature, including rape.
FAMILY VIOLENCE— Violence or harmful acts by a domestic partner (spouse, co-habitating partner) or family member, including children.
IDENTITY-BASED GENDER VIOLENCE— Violence directed towards a person because of their real or perceived gender-identity or sexual orientation.
INVESTING IN COMMUNITY-LED AND SURVIVOR-FOCUSED PROGRAMS IS CRITICAL TO ENDING GUN VIOLENCE. THESE TYPES OF SOLUTIONS INCLUDE:
COMPREHENSIVE SUPPORT FOR SURVIVORS
HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP EDUCATIONAL AND ADVOCACY TRAINING PROGRAMS
INTIMATE PARTNER VIOLENCE TRAINING FOR VIOLENCE INTERRUPTERS
COMPREHENSIVE HOSPITAL-BASED SURVIVOR MEDICAL CARE PROGRAMS
LGBTQ SERVING SUPPORT PROGRAMS AND RESOURCES