Gender based violence

In Mauritius, nearly 1 in 4 women reported experiencing Gender-Based Violence (GBV) as early as 2010 (Mauritius Research Council and GL). Among women who experienced physical abuse, only one in three reported the incident to the police, and just one in six sought medical attention. Sexual violence remains vastly underreported, with fewer than 1 in 7 rape survivors reporting it. Economic violence is still prevalent, with at least 8% of women experiencing it, and 6% of men admitting being perpetrating it. GBV is not confined to homes - it seeps into workplaces and institutions. Six percent of women who have ever worked have faced sexual harassment at work. Meanwhile, marital rape, long a taboo subject, is finally being acknowledged in the national discourse, with growing recognition that much of this violence happens within intimate relationships. The 2012 �War@Home -Gender-Based Violence Indicators Study� by GL revealed that most of the abuse occurs inside the household. From January to June 2016 alone, the Family Support Office of the Ministry recorded 1,175 domestic violence cases -1,052 involving female victims and 123 involving male victims. These numbers represent just the tip of the iceberg, as many cases go unreported due to fear, stigma, or lack of trust in institutions.
Gender Links is at the forefront of the fight against GBV in Mauritius. We implement community-centered programs to raise awareness about GBV, engage men and boys in the fight against violence, and provide psychosocial support to survivors. Our work is grounded in a rights-based, survivor-centered approach, focused on four key pillars:
� Gender Justice:
We engage with communities, legal institutions, and policymakers to ensure that justice systems are fair and accessible to GBV survivors.
� Gender and Media:
Through media training and advocacy, we challenge harmful gender stereotypes and promote responsible reporting on GBV cases. The ultimate goal is also for GBV cases to be recognise not as miscellaneous news but as a core issue in our society.
� Gender and Governance:
GL collaborates with local councils, political representants, parties and ministries to integrate gender-responsive action plans and policies into governance structures, ensuring that authorities are active partners in the fight against GBV and that women be a part of the representatives of the government.
� Shelter for Survivors - Safe Haven Halfway Home (SHHH):
Our Safe Haven Halfway Home provides temporary accommodation for women survivors of Gender-based violence, while focusing on educating and empowering residents, counselling and psychological support, self-esteem of survivors as well as personal development and hygiene. The objective is for residents to reintegrate society free of the perpetuator and from any form of GBV.

GL conducts targeted workshops on GBV aimed at raising awareness, challenging toxic masculinity, and ultimately reducing and eliminating violence.
GL recognises that economic dependency is a major barrier preventing women from leaving abusive relationships. Our Economic Empowerment programs offer survivors the tools and training they need to build financial independence, regain confidence, and start anew.
GL�s I-Stories initiative creates a platform for survivors to share their experiences in their own words. These stories shed light on the hidden realities of GBV.
�He started beating me violently and no one could stop him. He was under the influence of drugs and had lost all notion of self-control. Within a few minutes, I realized that he could kill me.�
� Elizabeth, Former resident of SHHH
�I always did what he wanted me to do; complying to his wishes was a way of simplifying my life and avoiding endless arguments.�
� Evelyn, Resident of SHHH

Every year, GL Mauritius takes part in the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign to raise awareness and launch action. We mobilise communities, partner with institutions, and work with decision-makers to drive policy reform and social transformation.
Finally, in partnership with local councils, we develop and implement local action plans aimed at reducing and ultimately eradicating GBV. These plans are tailored to the specific needs of each locality and ensure that efforts are sustained and impactful.