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1 IN 3: Are you 1 in 3?

Հեղինակ՝
Korinna Torok

For many women in Armenia, gender-based violence feels like something that happens to others. We distance ourselves from the situation we’re living in. We avoid labels. We reject the word “victim.” We tell ourselves we don’t have the time to reflect on it — especially as women, and especially as mothers.

But violence does not disappear when it goes unnamed.

At Love Canal, we believe that understanding gender-based violence (GBV) is not about victimization — it’s about clarity, dignity, and choice. This article is the first step in explaining what GBV truly is, how it shows up in everyday life, and why it matters to all of us.

What Is Gender-Based Violence?

Gender-based violence refers to physical, sexual, psychological, or economic harm inflicted on a person because of their gender. While violence can affect anyone, women are statistically more likely to experience GBV, both globally and in Armenia.

GBV does not only occur within romantic relationships. It can happen:

  • At home
  • In the workplace
  • In schools and universities
  • Within families or sibling relationships
  • In public spaces

Most violence against women is perpetrated by men and rooted in gender-based power imbalances — and this is the reality we focus on when addressing GBV.

Today, gender-based violence is recognized worldwide as one of the most serious human rights violations and a life-threatening health and protection issue.

Why Gender-Based Violence Happens

At its core, gender-based violence is about power and control.

It is driven by deeply rooted social and cultural norms that normalize inequality and excuse harmful behavior. These beliefs often appear as:

  • “This is a private family matter”
  • “It’s not that serious”
  • “Women are expected to endure”
  • “It happens everywhere”

GBV is not random. It is learned behavior, shaped by society — and that means it can also be unlearned.

Forms of Gender-Based Violence

Violence is often associated only with physical harm, but many of the most damaging forms are non-physical and harder to recognize.

According to the Council of Europe Istanbul Convention, gender-based violence includes:

  • Psychological violence
  • Emotional manipulation
  • Stalking
  • Physical violence
  • Forced marriage
  • Sexual violence, including rape
  • Female genital mutilation
  • Forced abortion or forced sterilization
  • Sexual harassment
  • Aiding or abetting violence
  • Justifying crimes in the name of so-called “honor”

These forms of violence can occur in private or public spaces and may be inflicted by strangers or loved ones.

Gender-Based Violence Statistics: Global and Armenia

Statistics help illustrate the scale of the problem — but they never capture the full reality.

Globally and in the EU

  • 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence at least once in their lifetime
  • 1 in 3 women experience sexual harassment at work
  • 1 in 5 women experience physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner

In Armenia

  • In the first half of 2022, 391 cases of domestic violence were officially reported
  • Between 2023 and 2024:
    • Reported physical abuse increased by 151%
    • Reported psychological abuse increased by 261%

These numbers may seem low — but we all know they don’t reflect reality. Many women never report abuse due to stigma, fear, lack of trust in systems, or limited access to specialized support.

Why Most Cases Go Unreported

Underreporting is one of the biggest challenges in addressing GBV.

According to European data:

  • Only 1 in 8 women report violence to the police
  • 1 in 5 women seek help from doctors or social services
  • Only 1 in 20 women contact a helpline or victim support service

Shame, fear, financial dependence, and lack of awareness all play a role. Many women do not believe there is a way out — or that their rights are as important as anyone else’s.

The Long-Term Consequences of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence is not a one-time event. Its effects often last for years.

Survivors may experience:

  • Chronic anxiety and fear
  • Depression and emotional numbness
  • Self-blame and shame
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Long-term health issues
  • Strained interpersonal relationships

Women are often taught that suffering is something to endure quietly.
But violence is not a hardship women are meant to live with.

You are not alone — and accountability, even through small actions, matters.

Preventing Gender-Based Violence: What Helps

There is no single solution. Effective responses combine prevention and support.

Key approaches include:

  • Education at every level
  • Challenging harmful gender norms
  • Creating safe spaces for dialogue
  • Supporting survivors without judgment
  • Holding perpetrators accountable
  • Strengthening accessible support systems

Gender-based violence is learned — and it can be prevented when societies commit to change.

What’s Next

Over the next three months, Love Canal will explore:

  • What truly defines gender-based violence
  • How to recognize subtle and hidden forms of abuse
  • The psychological and physical consequences of GBV
  • Paths to healing, prevention, and empowerment
  • Ways to support yourself and others

Awareness is the first step toward change.
Follow us as we continue this conversation — because every woman deserves safety, dignity, and choice.

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