By Chloe Panaligan
Gender-based violence is a phenomenon that is widely defined as, “an umbrella term for harmful acts of abuse perpetrated against a person’s will and rooted in a system of unequal power between women and men.” Although this is an extremely informative definition, a particular aspect is highlighted – the emphasis on the role that power dynamics play between women and men. The notion of gender-based violence is one that goes hand in hand with expectations of heteronormativity. To preface, heteronormativity is “the assumption that the “default,” or “correct” sexual orientation is heterosexual. It assumes that “normal” relationships exist only between a man and a woman.” As a problem that is often framed based on the gender binary, it places emphasis on the idea that gender-based violence centres around the idea of “man vs. woman.” The victimization of women, and violence as a result of men’s perceived superiority over women is a very real occurrence. It is of immense importance to foreground topics and situations that occur between men and women, and what women go through as a result of these interactions, however, it is equally as important to delineate that gender-based violence can be experienced by people of all gender and sexual identities, along with different patterns of power dynamics. Definitions like the one stated above, centralize the experiences of certain groups, above others. As a result, these ideologies leave behind any identities that may fall beyond or outside of these categorizations, leaving many marginalized individuals out of these important discussions.
Violence against trans and non-binary people occur at perpetually increasing rates, as they are often the targets of transphobic hate crimes and state violence. Moreover, those living at the intersection of marginalized identities encounter higher rates of violence, as well as more severe forms of violence, from peers, strangers, and various social institutions. Despite this, their experiences are rarely conveyed within discussions surrounding gender-based violence. Due to this lack of acknowledgement, there are systemic barriers to accessing services that would help trans and non-binary individuals during the aftermath of certain forms of violence enacted upon them. Rape crisis programs, shelters, law enforcement, and other services ultimately fall short in addressing the needs of trans and non-binary survivors.
Thus, in light of the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, the purpose of this article is to shed light and place prominence on the voices and experiences that are frequently disregarded. Despite the fact that the goals of this movement are characterized by the means of uplifting some groups that are widely affected by the ongoing gender-based violence, the inadvertent neglect of the experiences of other individuals actively undermines them. By placing a focus on these marginalized groups, it could possibly improve prevention strategies, as well as provide adequate support and resources for them.