Gender Abuse
What is gender abuse?
Gender abuse is when someone is abused, or damage is inflicted because of their gender. It refers to any behaviour or abuse that causes a person to fear bodily or emotional harm, by forcing them to do something against their will.
Gender inequality, power abuse, and detrimental norms are the basis of the problem. Gender-based abuse can affect both men and women, but women and girls represent most victims.
Gender abuse can manifest itself in a variety of ways. It includes sexual, physical, mental, and economic harm. Violence, threats, coercion, and manipulation are also involved. Intimate partner violence, sexual violence, child marriage, female sexual mutilation, and honour crimes are examples.
God’s thoughts on gender abuse
It is an established fact that God is against injustice, violence, and oppression. We see this in many verses in the bible, with many of these verses indicating that God will rescue those that are oppressed. Psalm 146, verses 5 to 7 says – But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the LORD their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. He gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The LORD frees the prisoners. As always, balance is required in applying the word of God. We hardly come across inaction in how God rescues the oppressed in the bible. In the old testament, we see examples of practical actions that God used through people as a mission to rescue His people. That which Jesus Christ did for us is also an example of these practical actions. The same practical action of reaching out for help is required if you are a victim of gender abuse. There are people, both in your personal and professional life that God will use to rescue you.
What are the signs of gender abuse?
The following are signs of gender abuse
- Gender control and possessiveness
- Ignorant and demeaning attitude on the grounds of being a woman/man
- Abusive language and extremely controlling behaviour
- Beliefs concerning the roles of a gender that are outdated
- Forced sex or ignoring their partner’s refusal to have sex
- Sabotage of birth control measures or failure to follow through on agreements
- Sabotage or interference with the victim’s capacity to work or access education
- Demanding complete financial control.
- Accusations that the victim was flirting or having an affair with others
- Control over the victim’s appearance and behaviour
- Defaming the victim in private or in public
- Victim’s embarrassment or humiliation in front of others
- Workplace harassment of the victim
What are the Impacts of gender abuse?
- Challenges with trust issues relating to the opposite sex
- Challenges in maintaining a healthy relationship
- Psychological scars in relation to being sexually intimate
- Anxiety and fear in dealing with the opposite sex
- Bouts of low moods and depression
- Anger and emotional instability channelled at the opposite sex
In conclusion, do not ignore the signs and impacts of abuses in your life. Doing so limits God’s best for you and your life aspirations. Find ways to start your healing process. Whilst not speaking to experts may not be readily available to you, however, you can begin to take steps towards effective self-healing Christian options like meditation, prayers, scripture declaration immersion, identity in Christ refocusing and retreats.
Remember, life is not a rehearsal. God always wants you to choose freedom in Jesus Christ. To be free, you have to decide to be 100% responsible for the change you want to see in your life, even though you may be 100% blameless for the life challenges you find yourself facing. As such, be ready for change. As the solution to overcoming life challenges will usually involve a combination of spiritual insights and practical professional skills, on things God will show you to do to surge ahead. As always, remain blessed with divine health and wellbeing.
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