gender-based violence | Campus Safe Words

TERM: gender-based violence
RISK LEVEL: high

Definition

Gender-based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at individuals based on their gender, including sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, harassment, and other forms of abuse. In higher education, the term is often used in the context of Title IX compliance, prevention programming, survivor support services, and academic research on violence, power, and identity.

Why It’s Risky

While preventing violence is a bipartisan concern, the term “gender-based violence” is politically sensitive because of its alignment with DEI-aligned frameworks and its reliance on theories of systemic inequality, intersectionality, or social construction of gender. In states with legislation limiting identity-based instruction or programming—such as Florida’s Stop W.O.K.E. Act and Texas Senate Bill 17—public institutions are increasingly scrutinized for using language that signals ideological commitments. Risk increases when “gender-based violence” appears in required trainings, hiring materials, public programming, or grant applications without clear reference to legal mandates such as Title IX or the Clery Act. The term can also be viewed as advancing gender theory, particularly when used to justify policies or initiatives tied to non-binary or fluid identity categories.

Common Critiques

Critics argue that “gender-based violence” embeds contested ideological assumptions, including the idea that violence is primarily rooted in structural power imbalances or patriarchal norms. In politically conservative settings, this framing is viewed as biased and potentially dismissive of certain victim groups, especially men or individuals whose experiences fall outside DEI-focused narratives. Some lawmakers claim that GBV programs are used to promote activist perspectives under the guise of safety and support. Others caution that the term implies institutions are prioritizing ideology over equal treatment or due process. GBV-related programming has come under fire in legislative hearings for allegedly promoting compelled speech, one-sided narratives, or policies that presume guilt. Public universities using the term without grounding it in federal law or clear institutional need may be accused of advancing politically motivated agendas.

Suggested Substitutes

Sexual misconduct prevention (in Title IX or risk management materials)
Harassment and assault awareness (in student affairs or HR documents)
Campus safety and reporting procedures (in compliance guides)
Support for survivors of violence (in counseling or student services)
Conduct-related violence prevention (in behavior management or residence life)

These alternatives emphasize legal obligations, safety, and support without ideological framing.

When It May Still Be Appropriate

“Gender-based violence” may be appropriate in academic research, international studies, or public health contexts where the term is clearly defined and tied to the discipline. It may also appear in grant applications where the language is required by the funder. For Title IX compliance, it is safer to use legally grounded terms like “sexual harassment,” “sexual violence,” or “dating/domestic violence” per U.S. Department of Education guidance.

NOTES: Anchor any GBV-related content in federal law and clearly defined institutional policies. Avoid using the term in general outreach, policy documents, or required training materials unless legally mandated or discipline-specific. Emphasize fairness, safety, and access to support services for all students to maintain neutrality and minimize political risk.