There are many definitions of what SGBV is, and these have changed over time as the problem has become more realised in the consciousness of the international community, national governments, civil society organisations and ordinary people. There are many similarities between SGBV and violence against women (VAW), and the terms have been used synonymously with good reason. Estimates suggest 35 percent of women worldwide have experienced some form of sexual or gendered violence at some point in their lives, from either an intimate or non-intimate partner. The majority of the perpetrators of this type of violence against women are men.
Yet, it is important to note that contemporary definitions of SGBV take into account changing gender and power dynamics of violence instead of a simple female/male dichotomy, and address types of violence beyond physical violence. While women unfortunately remain the majority of victims of SGBV, there is an acknowledgement that SGBV affects not only women but also men, girls and boys in different ways and with different levels of magnitude, depending on the context. While physical violence may be the most overt form of SGBV, other forms including psychological, verbal, financial and emotional violence can take an equally horrendous toll on those who experience it.
The APPAP W.A.R.N system will take a broad definition of SGBV, allowing it to account for the many types of violence present in the specific countries it monitors. Using definitions from UN bodies and international NGOs, SGBV refers to any violent act committed upon anyone without their consent and based on role expectations associated with gender identities and the power relationships between those identities. The types of violence include, but are not limited to, physical, sexual, economic/financial, emotional and psychological violence. It will also refer to forced prostitution and marriage, trafficking, domestic, family and intimate partner violence, elder and child abuse, and violence towards lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and other persons with a diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression (SOGIE).
Utilising research of the types of SGBV committed in the Asia Pacific region, APPAP W.A.R.N will record and monitor the following types of SGBV.
While these types of violence may not be present in all countries, allowing for a broad scope of potential violence for the system to monitor ensures APPAP W.A.R.N can adapt and respond to as many forms of violence as possible.
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