Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is one of the most pervasive human rights violations globally, rooted in gender inequalities, power imbalances, and harmful societal norms. The United Nations defines GBV as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.”
This violence disproportionately impacts women, girls, and marginalized communities, with repercussions that reach far beyond the individual. GBV fractures families, destabilizes communities, and undermines societal cohesion, posing a significant barrier to achieving gender equality. In Canada, an average of 102 women and girls are victims of gender-related homicide every year. Indigenous women face higher rates of violence and are 12 times more likely to be murdered or go missing than other women. The global scope and prevalence of gender-based violence makes addressing it not only a human rights imperative but also a necessity for fostering equitable and just societies.
16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, observed from November 25 to December 10 globally, serves as a rallying call to raise awareness and demand accountability for these pervasive injustices. In Canada, December 6 marks the National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women, the tragic anniversary of the 1989 École Polytechnique shooting, where 14 women were murdered because of their gender. As the campaign concludes, the urgency of translating advocacy into actionable solutions becomes clear—especially when we consider new evidence highlighting the barriers victims face in accessing justice.
A recent series of studies by the International Justice Mission (IJM), titled “In My Shoes: The long road to justice for victims of violence in Latin America” offers valuable insight. IJM conducted studies in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Bolivia, revealing high rates of GBV but alarmingly low rates of reporting. In El Salvador, 40% of women and 28% of adolescents have experienced violence, while in Guatemala, the numbers are 37% and 28%, respectively. In Bolivia, despite over 90% of women and adolescents saying they were willing to report violence, only 16.89% of women and 4.53% of adolescents filed complaints.
Why is this gap so stark? Barriers such as fear, shame, and distrust in the justice system prevent victims from coming forward. Even those who do report often face significant challenges. In Bolivia, despite 81.14% of women and 92.75% of adolescents who had experienced violence not filing complaints, more than half of women who filed encountered delays in the legal process, with only 10% of victims receiving any form of support. These failures leave survivors without the justice and assistance they need, perpetuating cycles of violence and impunity.
Aggregated data, like the findings from the IJM reports, is essential for understanding the scale and nature of GBV. Such data provides critical insights into where and how interventions are most needed, enabling policymakers and organizations to design context-specific responses that address the unique challenges faced by victims in different regions. Without this information, solutions risk being disconnected from the realities on the ground, leaving systemic barriers unaddressed and victims unsupported. By building a clearer picture of the gaps in reporting, justice systems, and victim services, data-driven approaches can lead to more effective, targeted, and sustainable solutions.
The reports call for urgent reforms, including the development of clear reporting protocols, timely legal processes, and improved victim support services, such as trauma-informed care (TIC). Addressing these barriers requires systemic change to rebuild trust, ensure accountability, and create a justice system that works for victims.
As the 16 Days of Activism remind us, the fight against GBV demands sustained attention and action. Insights like those from the IJM report highlight the gaps we must address to ensure justice and safety for all.
IJM Canada is a member of Cooperation Canada, and part of a global organization dedicated to combating violence and slavery by supporting victims and strengthening justice systems. Learn more about the organization and access the reports here.
Edited by Lorianne Dueck Rebello and Paul Farran.