How to React If We Witness an Incident of Gender-Based Violence

In summer cases gender violence and sexual assaults tend to happen much more often. So we all need to be prepared. Not just potential victims, but the rest of society. We may witness an assault or a suspicious argument and not know how to act, mostly because no one has taught us how to do so. Although it is our civic duty notification of problem situationsWhen it comes to a critical situation, we don’t know how to recognize what’s happening or what resources we have.

Therefore, in Hypertext We contacted sexologist and psychologist specializing in gender violence, Laura Marcilla. She gave us some recommendations that could be very useful so that we do not block ourselves if we find ourselves face to face with a case of gender violence.

We must understand that it will not always be a case of a man hitting his partner in the middle of the street. There can be many other alarming situations and recognizing them and warning about them may be the key to the victim getting out of the situation. Maybe not that day, but in the future. We cannot look the other way.

Why does the number of cases of gender-based violence increase in summer?

There are many studies that show that gender violence increases in the summer. In the US, for example, a study was conducted that analyzed injuries recorded for this reason in 100 hospitals in the country between 2005 and 2017. 15% sought medical attention while on holiday or at certain parties.like St. Patrick and New Year. In fact, it is the latter holiday that has been linked to the majority of cases of gender-based violence.

This is often explained by the fact that the victim and the aggressor spend more time together on vacation. However, it also turns out that alcohol plays a very important role. Other studies show that most people treated in hospitals for this reason have been attacked. on Saturday evening or early Sundaywhen it is more likely that the attackers were drunk.

It has also been noted that the rate of attacks due to gender-based violence could increase by 40% worldwide. sporting eventsThey often take place in the summer and usually involve a lot of alcohol. We drink to celebrate our team’s victory or to drown our sorrows if it loses.

Of course, alcohol should never be used as an excuse for aggression. Anyone who would not attack another person when sober should not do so when intoxicated. And if it does happen, the attack will remain an attack.

How can we recognize a case of gender-based violence?

Obviously, if we see a man hitting a woman in the middle of the street, we should report it as soon as possible. It may not even be gender violence, but rather an attack by one person on another. So how can we recognize this type of violence beyond the obvious?

“It’s difficult to draw a line in what gender-based violence is because it can happen in very subtle ways when it comes to gender-based violence. comments disguised as jokes, humiliations…,” says Marcilla. “Usually the most obvious forms are not presented in public.” That’s why you have to be on your guard. And that also means taking into account that there is no prototype of a victim of gender violence. “They are not always submissive,” recalls the psychologist. “Also, there is reactive violence“However, when a person suffers from aggressive behavior, he reacts in a similar way, instead of lowering his head.”

This may make us think that we are dealing with a two-way discussion rather than a case of gender violence, but it is always better to be on the safe side.

“When we hear an argument in which both sides are obviously equally conflicted, we have a responsibility to report what is happening, because although from the outside, seeing only the scene, it may seem that the violence is bidirectional, if we do not know the whole background: “We cannot know whether this is so or which of the two people is using violence more systematically.”

Laura Marcilla, a psychologist specializing in gender violence

Who should we call?

In that case we can call the police. However, if we don’t know the number, the fastest way will always be dial 112“If you call 911 and explain that you have witnessed a violent incident, they will act accordingly,” explains Marcilla.

But this is not the only phone number available in Spain. You can also call 016, a number specifically designed to report cases of gender violence. “The phone line is available in more than 50 languages, and there is an option for people with disabilities and the deaf,” says the expert. “They have also now added a WhatsApp line. I find this interesting because it will be easier for new generations who do not like talking on the phone and they will be more willing to ask for help for themselves or someone else if it is done this way. The number to file this type of complaint via WhatsApp is: 600000016.

These are phone numbers that not only activate emergency systems, but also provide victims with psychological assistance and legal consultations.

On the other hand, we have already seen that alcohol often increases levels of sexual and gender-based violence. This makes some very common summer celebrations, such as fairs and festivals, unfortunately, the perfect breeding ground for this. For this reason, these events are increasingly being set up purple dot which we can turn to regardless of whether we are victims or have seen something suspicious. There they are coordinated with the forces and organs of state security, so they will know how to act.

“Even without witnessing anything, we can approach them to get advice on how to act or even actively cooperate. For example, they hand out purple bracelets, handkerchiefs or some other identification symbol that makes it clear that the person wearing it is ready to act if they see any action of this type. In addition, it creates a sense that many people are against it and helps deter those who might think about committing one of these criminal acts.”

Laura Marcilla, a psychologist specializing in gender violence

On the other hand, if we encounter the situation face to face, it is better not to interfere and call the numbers provided so that appropriate actions can be activated. If we are in a group, we may be able to dissuade, but if we are alone and the aggressor acts with violenceWe can also put ourselves in danger.

What information should we provide?

The more information we can provide when we witness a case of gender or sexual violence, the better. Where are the people, what did they say, how long does the discussion last… The problem is that sometimes we are not able to provide this data because They do not reach us in full.

Marcilla explains this with several examples. “If we don’t see the scene directly, or only get peripheral information, we might have to say that we don’t know where the screams are coming from, but we hear them from our house, which is in that direction,” Or perhaps we see a couple arguing and know where they are, but they are movingIn this case, you can say where you saw them, how long ago and what they are wearing.

“We can describe them so they can try to find them nearby. Any information we can provide, even if we can’t identify the people involved in the violent episode, would be helpful. Especially if I call and give the information and all the people nearby call and fill it out.”

Laura Marcilla, a psychologist specializing in gender violence

When it comes to our own data, we may be asked to identify ourselves. This can be deterrent, but sometimes it is truly necessary and we must to do this, as a psychologist who was consulted in this way recalls.

“It is usually important to provide data because in many cases, victims of gender-based violence, whether due to emotional dependency, maladaptive beliefs about relationships, or some other reason, They may have a tendency to defend the aggressor.“, – says the specialist. “For this reason, sometimes the only way to act is not to shift the attention and all the responsibility to the person who is the victim, who is more vulnerable, but rather to let the rest of society know that this is not a couple’s problem, but a social one, and that if I witness a crime, I have a duty to report it.”

Never think that reporting gender-based violence is useless.

The fact that the victim herself sometimes denies the aggression can make us feel frustrated and think that the action was useless. But that’s not true. It always works. “We may feel like reporting is useless, but in fact, because these people have identified themselves and registered, it’s helpful,” Marcilla tells us. “If in the future, when that person is more prepared or more events happen, Trial“This data that the police have is evidence that gender violence occurred over time and was not specific.”

Moreover, the victim They provide you with information and resources.“You may not feel like you can act at this point, but it will help you to reflect and learn about the resources you have.” Finally, it is worth noting that victims of gender-based violence often do not report it because they feel unprotected. Knowing that someone called because they cared about them and that they responded to protect them can help them make the decision to leave the situation they find themselves in. It is not easy, but it will be much easier if they have a support network behind them. Let’s learn to be part of that network.