Manifestations of school-based GBV

The Namibia Safe Schools Framework (NSSF) touches on the topic of school-based gender-based violence (GBV), which remains an issue in schools across the globe. Types of school-based GBV:1. Verbal Homophobic name-callingShaming, teasing or humiliating related to gender or sexualityUse of gendered language to abuse or put down othersName-calling based on perceived sexual history2. Psychological Excluding those who don’t conform to gender or sexuality normsCirculating gossip or rumoursInsulting/rude gestures, facial expressions or body movements3. Physical Harassment of those who do not fit gender or sexuality norms by hitting, pinching, pushing, kicking,throwing objects, etc. Forcing gendered tasks or services (e.g. girls must do cleaning)Using more severe corporal punishment on males4. SexualUnwanted kissing, groping or touchingMaking sexual remarks about another’s behaviour or reputationForced sexual contactRapeForced viewing of sexual acts or pornographyExchange of sexual services for better gradesUnwanted photographing and filming and/or sharing of sexual actsSchool-related GBV does not necessarily occur only inside the school. Locations where school-related GBV may take place:· School· On the way to school· To or from school· Home · Community · CyberspaceExamples of strategies for eliminating GBV on the school premises1. Lighting up a dark area2. Advocating for effective supervision of areas by trusted adults3. Keeping toilets locked, with one person designated to hold the key4. Building or mending fences and boundary walls5. Cutting down bushes or shrubs6. Establishing designated safe areas for break, with significant teacher presence7. Regular monitoring of areas where learners congregate during breaks and after school8. Ensuring that the entry/exit gates have security mechanisms to prevent strangers from entering the school premises9. Requiring visitors to first visit the reception area for permission to be in the schoolTips for speaking to possible victims1. Explain that any information they give will remain confidential, but that the Child Care and Protection Act of 2015, the school has a legal obligation to report to the police any knowledge of child abuse.2. Adopt a non-judgemental, supportive attitude and value what the child is telling you.3. Use a sympathetic tone, but do not make the child feel humiliated.4. Listen carefully, and tell the child that his/her feelings are justified.5. Show that you believe the child’s story.6. Be patient. Children who have been sexually abused are suffering trauma and may be confused.7. Use supportive statements such as, “I am sorry this happened to you” or “You have really been through a lot.”8. Emphasise that the violence was not his/her fault, and that the perpetrator is responsible for his/her own behaviour.

Manifestations of school-based GBV

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Manifestations of school-based GBV

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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