Gender-based violence

Gender-based violence is violence perpetrated against women simply because they are women, within the context of power relations and structural inequality. It can take various forms: physical, psychological, sexual, economic or digital.

It does not always begin with physical assaults. In many cases, it starts with subtle behaviours such as control, jealousy, isolation or belittling, which gradually erode autonomy and self-esteem. This gradual nature can make it difficult to identify the situation at an early stage.

Dynamics and associated difficulties:

Gender-based violence is not a one-off conflict, but a process that usually follows a cyclical pattern (tension, aggression, remorse, honeymoon phase). This dynamic generates confusion, emotional ambivalence and strong traumatic bonds.

Common difficulties faced by victims:

• Guilt or self-blame: the victim may come to believe that they ‘provoke the violence’.

• Shame and fear of social judgement.

• Progressive isolation from their support network.

• Emotional and/or financial dependence.

• Minimising or normalising the abuse.

• Difficulty making decisions due to fear, pressure or insecurity.

• Idealisation of the abuser.

Leaving a violent relationship does not depend solely on willpower; emotional, financial, family and safety factors all play a part.

The psychological impact can be profound and long-lasting, particularly when the violence continues over time. Among the most common consequences are:

• Anxiety, hypervigilance and constant fear.

• Depressive symptoms and a sense of helplessness.

• Low self-esteem and a sense of loss of identity.

• Traumatic symptoms (intrusive memories, avoidance, dissociation).

• Problems with emotional regulation.

• Difficulties in subsequent relationships and with interpersonal trust.

At INTRA-TP, we take a gender-based approach that incorporates a trauma-informed perspective and prioritises safety, structuring the therapeutic process into distinct phases:

Firstly, we assess safety and available resources, promoting emotional stabilisation and strengthening internal coping mechanisms.

We work with guilt, shame and distorted beliefs, helping people to achieve greater autonomy and independence by processing traumatic experiences, thereby enabling them to build their identity and life plan.

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What is gender-based violence?

Psychological impact

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