Manifestations of school-based GBV

The Namibia Safe Schools Framework (NSSF) touches on the topic of school-based gender-based violence (GBV), which remains an issue in schools across the globe.

Types of school-based GBV:

1. Verbal

Homophobic name-calling

Shaming, teasing or humiliating related to gender or sexuality

Use of gendered language to abuse or put down others

Name-calling based on perceived sexual history

2. Psychological

Excluding those who don’t conform to gender or sexuality norms

Circulating gossip or rumours

Insulting/rude gestures, facial expressions or body movements

3. Physical

Harassment of those who do not fit gender or sexuality norms by hitting, pinching, pushing, kicking,

throwing objects, etc.

Forcing gendered tasks or services (e.g. girls must do cleaning)

Using more severe corporal punishment on males

4. Sexual

Unwanted kissing, groping or touching

Making sexual remarks about another’s behaviour or reputation

Forced sexual contact

Rape

Forced viewing of sexual acts or pornography

Exchange of sexual services for better grades

Unwanted photographing and filming and/or sharing of sexual acts

School-related GBV does not necessarily occur only inside the school.

Locations where school-related GBV may take place:

· School

· On the way to school

· To or from school

· Home

· Community

· Cyberspace

Examples of strategies for eliminating GBV on the school premises

1. Lighting up a dark area

2. Advocating for effective supervision of areas by trusted adults

3. Keeping toilets locked, with one person designated to hold the key

4. Building or mending fences and boundary walls

5. Cutting down bushes or shrubs

6. Establishing designated safe areas for break, with significant teacher presence

7. Regular monitoring of areas where learners congregate during breaks and after school

8. Ensuring that the entry/exit gates have security mechanisms to prevent strangers from entering the school premises

9. Requiring visitors to first visit the reception area for permission to be in the school

Tips for speaking to possible victims

1. Explain that any information they give will remain confidential, but that the Child Care and Protection Act of 2015, the school has a legal obligation to report to the police any knowledge of child abuse.

2. Adopt a non-judgemental, supportive attitude and value what the child is telling you.

3. Use a sympathetic tone, but do not make the child feel humiliated.

4. Listen carefully, and tell the child that his/her feelings are justified.

5. Show that you believe the child’s story.

6. Be patient. Children who have been sexually abused are suffering trauma and may be confused.

7. Use supportive statements such as, “I am sorry this happened to you” or “You have really been through a lot.”

8. Emphasise that the violence was not his/her fault, and that the perpetrator is responsible for his/her own behaviour.