When gender-based violence (GBV) interventions are designed, it is vital to consider the unique legal, structural, and socio-cultural barriers that can impact how, and if, individuals seek out services or protection. While this conversation often focuses on girls and women for obvious reasons, we cannot overlook the impact that GBV also has on boys and young men. We are honored to support World Vision's critical research in understanding the vulnerabilities, gendered expectations, and other unique barriers young men and boys face when drivers, risks, and lack of protective factors expose them to increased dangers to child sexual abuse and exploitation.
Gender norms, relations and socialization are pivotal factors influencing individuals' identities and roles within communities. Across various cultures, traditional gender norms and stereotypes contribute significantly to the shaping of experience of girls, boys, women and men, often perpetuating harmful attitudes, behaviors, and experiences of trauma. Boys often face legal and structural barriers that hinder their access to protection and services for victims of sexual abuse. Existing legislation and policies intended to safeguard children often overlook the specific needs and vulnerabilities of boys. In 2024, we launched the #ViolenceAgainstBoys Research engaging the seasoned gender partners WI-HER, LLC and ECPAT International covering Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, Solomon Islands and Vanuatu. The research highlights: ‼️CSEA definitions and laws are inconsistent and inadequate (gender-binary), especially for boys and gender-diverse youth ‼️Lack of skills and knowledge ,available and accessible culturally appropriate to prevent and respond to CSEA against boys and men, including in conflict zones ‼️Harmful gender norms prevent open discussions ‼️Lack of and insufficient information on CSEA and limied evidence-based interventions on CSEA
