Introduction

GBV (Gender Based Violence) is a severe and well-documented problem in society, while the approach is mostly ‘victim and culprit’, do organizations realize that the issue of gender-based violence is based on mental health and if we pay attention to issues such as depression, dementia and other personality disorders. We can get to the root of this problem and save lives.

The Mind of the Aggressor

While violence of any nature is unacceptable, it has to be considered if the culprit was mentally sound at the time of the act. Usually, the aggressor has much mental baggage they have not dealt with in a while and these mental issues manifest themselves in various ways, primarily toxic and unhealthy habits. The act may be caused by financial problems, male dominance, physical strength, family pressures, and alcoholism, etc. Culprits do have their reasons why they commit a crime, some vary, others the same. One prominent reason is to gain power, the culprit wants to gain control over the other gender.

Depression 

One of the most significant and unattended mental issues is depression. People are labelled psychopathic and are premeditated when they have committed the crime. Most culprits experience an episode called ‘Anger Blackouts’ which makes them act in a demeaning manner. These episodes are caused by excessive anger. When asked what led them to commit this crime, they will probably blame it on their depression and the problems that they may have. Once the victim has left the abuser, they may have a tough time recovering and develop PTSD and depression. In the end, both the victim and the aggressor are faced with depression in one way or another 

The Root of the Problem 

Violence has so many elements, and it is never as simple as “You’re a killer!”. There are people with personality disorders, people who struggle to differentiate between reality and fiction, and people who have impulse control issues. Sometimes, it’s as simple as tolerating and absorbing unhealthy mental abuse. For instance, imagine having to tolerate toxic people, and you cannot avoid getting away from them; how long would you endure the abuse? Are you supposed to suck the toxicity up and forget that mental abuse has a toll on you?

In Conclusion

It is time we approach GBV from a human perspective and ask controversial questions. Pointing fingers and fighting each other (gender versus gender) will not help this situation; maybe the problem lies in the mind, and the solution could arise from that same spot. It’s time we face what we know is the real problem.