Gender based violence against transgenders – exploring mental health and inclusion measures

Purpose The purpose of the viewpoint paper is to describe the gender-based violence (GBV) that transgender face, and to explore its legal and social challenges. The paper also aims to explore the prevailing supportive mechanism for their mental health and inclusion. Design/methodology/approach A review on the prevailing policies, general opinions and related literature that related to GBV was conducted. Findings Most global estimates on evaluating the etymological roots and vigor of incidence implicitly refer only to the experiences of women and cisgender, heterosexually identified women who are often excluded due to the exclusion of gender non-conforming norms of transpopulations. Nascent epidemiologic research suggests a high burden of GBV among trans populations, with an estimated prevalence that ranges from 7% to 89% among trans populations and sub-populations GBV is found to be an added burden of injustice to trans populations who are already prone to multiple poor health outcomes due to underlying social forces concomitant with limited prevention and response programs. Entanglement of social stigma, inadequate laws and punitive policies is considered to be the lacuna for effective addressable of the risk burden of GBV. But global/regional measures have been taken to support mental health and inclusion of transgenders. Originality/value The viewpoint paper stands among the pioneers that discuss GBV against transgenders by exploring mental health and inclusion measures.