Breaking the Silence: Ending the Stigma Around Gender‐Based Violence

ABSTRACT Gender‐based violence (GBV) remains a global epidemic, profoundly affecting the physical, psychological, and socio‐economic well‐being of survivors while perpetuating gender inequalities. Despite progress in addressing GBV, stigma continues to hinder effective prevention, response, and survivor support. Stigma, rooted in harmful cultural norms, victim‐blaming attitudes, and systemic gender biases, isolates survivors, discourages reporting, and perpetuates impunity for perpetrators. This article explores the multifaceted role of stigma in exacerbating GBV, its devastating consequences on individuals and communities, and the urgent need to dismantle it. Key strategies for ending stigma include challenging cultural norms through community engagement and storytelling, empowering survivors with safe spaces and leadership opportunities, educating communities to dispel myths and promote gender equality, and strengthening policies to ensure justice and comprehensive support. The article highlights the importance of collaboration among governments, NGOs, healthcare systems, media, and male allies in creating a stigma‐free environment. By fostering inclusive dialogue and sustained collective action, we can break the silence around GBV, empower survivors, and build a more equitable and violence‐free society.