Warning: This glossary contains explicit references to various forms of violence. Some content may be disturbing or triggering.

The glossary from A to Z Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

For those who document, inform, and advocate against this violence.

Some definitions…

  • Femicide/Feminicide

    Femicide is the crime of intentionally killing women because they are women or identify as such.

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  • Gender-based violence and discrimination

    Gender-based violence is violence perpetrated against a person because of their gender, whether real or perceived by the perpetrator, or that disproportionately affects a particular gender.

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  • Marriage

    A forced marriage takes place when at least one of the two parties has not given their free, full, and genuine consent, or is not able to put an end to it.

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  • Abortion

    Forced abortion is the crime of terminating, or intentionally orchestrating the termination of, a pregnancy by any procedure without the prior, full, free, and informed consent of the pregnant person.

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Introduction

Sexual and gender-based violence affects millions of people around the world.

To understand the nature, scope and consequences of sexual and gender-based violence, it is imperative to recognise the power of words.

Words bring visibility, truth and justice. But they can also discriminate, re-victimise and destroy.
It is therefore essential to use the right words, in the right way, at the right time.

For those who document, advocate or raise awareness on this type of violence, the glossary of the International Federation for Human Rights helps identify and clarify essential definitions in order to be able to fight together against sexual and gender-based violence.