Understanding Gender-Based Violence

A person's internal sense of their own gender, which may or may not align with their sex assigned at birth.

How a person expresses their gender to the world through behavior, appearance, and social interactions.

Socially constructed roles, behaviors, and expectations assigned to individuals based on their perceived gender.

Any harmful act committed against a person's will based on their perceived gender.

The act of freely and willingly agreeing to something, with full understanding of what is involved.

Refers to the biological and anatomical differences between males and females, including external and internal reproductive organs, chromosomes, and hormones.

Refers to who a person is romantically and/or sexually attracted to. This includes a range of attraction patterns, like same-gender, opposite-gender, or all genders.

A complex concept involving violence that targets individuals based on their perceived gender. It stems from unequal power dynamics and societal views on gender roles.

Violence against another person that happens without their consent, infringing on their human rights.

Different forms of violence, such as physical, sexual, emotional, and psychological abuse, can manifest as gender-based violence.

Victims of gender-based violence experience various levels of harm including physical, emotional, and psychological trauma.

Non-consensual penetration of the vagina, anus, or mouth with a penis, other body part, or an object.

Any form of non-consensual sexual contact that does not involve penetration, such as unwanted touching, kissing, or fondling.

An act of physical violence that is not sexual in nature, such as hitting, slapping, choking, or using weapons.

Forcing someone into marriage against their will, often involving coercion, threats, or manipulation.

Denying someone access to resources, opportunities, or services based on their gender, such as inheritance, education, or healthcare.

Inflicting mental or emotional pain or injury, such as through verbal abuse, intimidation, or isolation.

Marriages where at least one person is under 18 years old.

Marriages where at least one person is under 18, or where one or both partners aren't mature enough to understand what marriage entails.

Marriages arranged by families or communities without full consent from both partners.

A legal document that sets the minimum age for marriage in Turkey.

A set of rules that governs procedures for marriages in Turkey, including age requirements and parental consent.

The minimum age for marriage in Turkey, with exceptions for 16-year-olds under specific circumstances.

The act of marrying a child under the age of 18, often without their free and informed consent.

Girls who marry before the age of 18 are at a higher risk of experiencing violence, particularly in their marriage.

Poverty, lack of education, and cultural norms can all contribute to the practice of CEFM.

Conflict and crisis situations can worsen the problem of CEFM as families seek protection or financial stability.

CEFM can have serious negative consequences for girls' education, health, and well-being.

Signs that a child may be at risk of CEFM include dropping out of school, unexpected absences, and family stating financial difficulties.

Practices and beliefs that favor men over women, leading to inequalities and vulnerability to CEFM.

Girls who marry young are often denied their right to education, healthcare, and other fundamental human rights.

Child, Early and Forced Marriage (CEFM) is a serious issue that affects the sexual and reproductive health of girls, particularly in terms of their education and future choices. These marriages can occur before the age of 18 and often deprive girls of their rights and opportunities.

Globally, a concerning 21% of girls, or one in five, are married before reaching the age of 18. Sadly, 12 million girls under 18 are married every year.

In Turkey, the statistics reveal a worrying trend: 21% of women aged 25-49 were married before 18. The situation is even more alarming for Syrian women living in Turkey, with 38% married before 18.

Girls who are married before the age of 18 often face multiple disadvantages, including a higher likelihood of starting their families early, experiencing domestic violence, and lacking access to contraceptive methods.

CEFM significantly hinders girls' access to education. It can prevent them from attending school, limiting their access to information and opportunities. As a result, they lose out on education and are more likely to remain trapped in poverty.

Uneducated girls are three times more likely to be forced into marriage before 18 compared to girls with a secondary education or higher. This reinforces the link between education and freedom from harmful practices.

Girls who experience CEFM often face isolation and a lack of support systems. They are less likely to be connected to social networks and resources, which further reinforces their vulnerability.

The consequences of CEFM are significant, including health complications, limited education and job opportunities, susceptibility to abuse, and a higher likelihood of experiencing poverty. These impacts can have lasting consequences for both individual girls and society as a whole.