This is when a man or a woman hurts another person. It can be beating, rape or other sexual abuse or using words that hurt the other person. It can be not giving them money, property or food. GBV also happens if a person refuses to let another person see their own children, or parents.

Many cultures in southern Africa (and elsewhere) encourage men having power over women. This idea can lead to GBV.

Some cultural ideas that increase GBV are below. See if you believe any of them:

• A man may control the money
• A man may have many girlfriends at the same time
• A man may beat his wife or girlfriend
• A man can force his wife or girlfriend to have sex whenever he wants
• A man is the head of the home
• A woman has no power
• A woman must listen to a man
• A woman cannot refuse sex
• A woman does not own land or property
• A woman must accept if her husband or boyfriend has another girlfriend
• Women can’t force men to wear condoms
• Women and girls can go into sex work for survival

Culture should not be used as an excuse for violence to be accepted. Violence is violence. A man can still be the head of a household without beating his wife or his children. Men and women are partners in society. If you are in a violent situation, report what is happening to your nearest police station.