Episode #33: Gender-based violence involves acts of violence committed against women, men, boys and girls as a result of social norms about roles and behavior expected of each gender. This umbrella term includes the more familiar descriptors of domestic violence, intimate partner violence, sexual violence, and dating violence and is an extensive problem across our country and around the world. Every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted, and one in every three girls in the US is a victim of physical, verbal, or emotional abuse. Teens and young adults are particularly vulnerable to dating violence, and all forms of gender-based violence are rampant on college campuses. The coronavirus pandemic has amplified the problem and led to a rising number of crisis line calls and requests for services. Right here in Santa Cruz County, four women were killed in domestic violence homicides in 2020. In the same year, calls to a local domestic violence hotline more than tripled and one service provider reports a 75% increase in the requests for domestic violence services like as counseling, emergency shelter, emergency financial aid, transportation and support groups.

For survivors of gender-based violence, the mental health impacts are often substantial and can include PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance misuse, self-harm, suicidal behavior, and sleep disturbances. Additionally, survivors often face stigma and rejection from community and family. Join us to learn more about gender-based violence prevention and support as we talk with two Walnut Center Family & Women’s Center educator-advocates as well as a survivor and hotline volunteer. You will learn tips for prevention and how and where to seek support. Listen to this show with a teen or young adult in your life and you’ll be helping them be more aware and prepared to stop and prevent such violence.

Broadcast: 8/1/21

Special thanks to Jeanne Baldzikowski for audio production and to Jennifer Young for research and outreach. And finally, thanks to acoustic guitarist Adrian Legg for composing, performing, and donating the use of our theme music.

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