Glossary of Terms

Abuse & Violence - How it Can Present

Legal & Justice System

Medical & Physical Health - Some Terms & What they Mean

Mental Health

Therapeutic & Healing Approaches

Terms About Support, Advocacy & Social Services

Socio-Cultural Issues

Some BIG Terms +

Abuse	A pattern of behaviours used by one person to gain power and control over another
Gender-Based Violence	Violence directed at a person due to their gender or gender identity
Domestic Violence	Abuse within a household or family (including intimate partners)
Honour-Based Violence	Violence to protect or defend family/community "honour"
Cycle of Abuse	Repeating pattern in abusive relationships: tension, incident, reconciliation, calm
Femicide	The killing of a woman specifically because she is a woman
Consent	Voluntary, enthusiastic, informed agreement to participate in a specific activity
Perpetrator	The individual responsible for committing violence or abuse
Survivor	A person who has experienced GBV and is in the process of healing
Victim	A person harmed by abuse/violence; sometimes re-traumatised by institutions

Some Common Presentations of Abuse +

Child Abuse	Physical, emotional, sexual abuse, or neglect directed at a child. Includes direct harm and failure to protect.
Child Sexual Abuse (CSA)	Sexual abuse involving a minor; treated with particular gravity in South African law, with special provisions for reporting and investigation.
Cultural / Spiritual Abuse	Using cultural or religious beliefs to control or dominate another person.
Cyber Abuse (Cyberbullying or Online Abuse)	The use of technology and digital platforms to harass, stalk, or threaten someone.
Economic Abuse	Controlling or denying someone's financial resources to exert power.
Elder Abuse	Harm directed at elderly individuals by caregivers or family, including physical, emotional, or financial exploitation.
Emotional Abuse	Non-physical abuse undermining self-esteem and emotional well-being (humiliation, belittling, manipulation).
Financial Abuse	Controlling or manipulating a partner’s finances to maintain power and control.
Institutional Abuse	Abuse within institutions (care homes, hospitals, prisons) including neglect or exploitation by staff or authorities.
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV)	Abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, economic) between romantic partners, whether heterosexual or same-sex.
Physical Abuse	Violence causing physical harm (hitting, slapping, punching, burning).
Psychological / Emotional Abuse	Tactics causing emotional harm through threats, insults, isolation, intimidation.
Ritual Abuse	Violence or abuse carried out as part of cultural, religious, or ritualistic practices.
Verbal Abuse	Harmful use of words (insults, threats, constant criticism) to belittle or control someone.

Sexual Violence-Related Terms +

Sexual Abuse	Unwanted sexual activity, including rape or coercion, without informed consent
Sexual Violence	Any sexual act obtained through force, threat, coercion, or manipulation
Sexual Harassment	Unwanted sexual advances or behavior causing a hostile environment
Sexual Exploitation	Coercing someone for sexual favors or gain, often involving power imbalance
Sexual Assault	Intentional, unlawful sexual contact without consent
Rape	Unlawful and intentional act of sexual penetration without consent
Reproductive Coercion	Interfering with a partner’s reproductive choices (e.g., forced pregnancy)
Penile-Vaginal Penetration	Sexual assault involving vaginal penetration by a penis
Penile-Anal Penetration	Specific form of sexual assault involving anal penetration by a penis

Some Other Important Terms +

Child Marriage	Marrying off children (often girls) before they are physically/emotionally ready, leading to various forms of abuse.
Coercion	Pressuring or forcing someone to act against their will, often through threats or manipulation.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)	Partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons, a harmful cultural practice violating women’s rights.
Gaslighting	Manipulative tactic causing victims to doubt their own reality or memory.
Harassment	Unwanted, repeated behavior causing distress, including sexual harassment or intimidation.
Isolation	Withdrawing or being cut off from social contacts by the abuser, leading to lack of support.
Neglect	Failing to provide basic needs or support to vulnerable individuals (children, elderly), also a form of abuse.
Power and Control	Central dynamic of abusive relationships; the abuser’s tactics (threats, isolation) to dominate the victim.
Stalking	Repeatedly following or harassing someone, causing them fear for their safety (can be physical or digital).
Trafficking	Exploiting individuals (often women/children) for forced labor or sexual exploitation through deception or coercion.

Laws and Policies You Should be Aware Of +

Child Justice Act	South African law providing specific protections for children in criminal proceedings, whether as victims or perpetrators.
Domestic Violence Act	Law granting protection (such as protection orders) for victims of domestic violence (physical, emotional, sexual, economic).
Domestic Violence Register	A database recording all protection orders under the DVA, aiding law enforcement and courts.
No-Drop Policy	A South African policy ensuring prosecution of GBV cases even if the survivor does not wish to press charges, aiming to hold perpetrators accountable.
Sexual Offenses Act	Legislation defining sexual offenses (rape, assault) and providing protections for survivors in South Africa.

Key Legal Terms and Things to do With Court Process +

Affidavit	A written, sworn statement used in legal processes (e.g., for a protection order or criminal investigation).
Bail	Conditional, temporary release of an accused person awaiting trial; may be denied if they pose a threat.
Confidentiality in Legal Proceedings	Privacy protection for GBV survivors; personal information is not disclosed publicly without consent.
Prosecutor	Legal professional representing the state in criminal GBV cases, often specially trained for sensitivity.
Sexual Offences Court	Specialised courts dealing with sexual and GBV cases in a survivor-friendly manner.
Witness Protection	Measures to protect individuals testifying in cases where they are at risk from perpetrators or their associates.

Protective & Restorative Terms +

Protection Order	A court-issued directive preventing an abuser from continuing harm or harassment, often used in domestic violence cases.
Restorative Justice	A justice approach focusing on repairing harm by involving the victim, perpetrator, and community in the resolution process.
Victim Impact Statement	A survivor’s account of how the crime affected them, used in sentencing hearings.

Things to do With Evidence and Forensic Procedures +

Corroborative Evidence	Additional evidence supporting a survivor’s claims (e.g. witness testimony, medical records).
DNA Profiling	Forensic method of identifying genetic material—such as sperm or skin cells—to match a perpetrator in sexual assault cases.
Forensic Examination	A medical procedure to collect evidence (DNA, injury documentation) after sexual assault or other abuse.
Rape Kit (Sexual Assault Evidence Kit)	A collection of tools or steps (swabs, samples) to gather forensic evidence from a sexual assault survivor.
Spermatozoa	Male reproductive cells collected for DNA identification of perpetrators (e.g., from a rape kit).
Vaginal or Anal Swabs	Samples taken during a forensic exam to detect semen or DNA after sexual assault.

Immediate Physical Injuries +

Bodily Harm	Physical injury intentionally or recklessly caused; often part of GBV charges if violent evidence is present.
Burns	Skin injuries from heat, chemicals, or electricity, which may occur in physical abuse or torture.
Contusions	A bruise caused by blunt force trauma; common in physical abuse.
Fracture	A broken bone resulting from physical violence.
Genital Trauma	Injury to the genital region, which may include bruising or internal damage from sexual violence.
Hematoma	A collection of blood outside blood vessels, often from physical abuse.
Injury to the Perineum	Trauma between the anus and genitals, sometimes seen in sexual assault.
Lacerations and Abrasions	Cuts or scrapes from physical force, often found in violent abuse.
Masturbatory Injury	Genital harm from forceful or excessive masturbation, sometimes linked to abuse-related trauma or self-harm.
Penetrating Trauma	Harm caused by an object or force entering the body; in GBV contexts, can involve sexual assault injuries.
Tear of the Hymen	A tear in the hymenal tissue indicating possible penetration, though not definitive proof of assault.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)	Head injury from violent impacts; can cause dizziness, memory loss, or other neurological effects.

Chronic or Long Term Illnesses or Injuries +

Chronic Pain	Long-term physical pain with both physical and emotional roots, often linked to abuse.
Chronic Pain Syndrome	Persistent pain lasting beyond the initial injury, potentially triggered by emotional trauma.
Physical Health Issues	Longer-term complications (e.g., cardiovascular problems, high blood pressure) often related to ongoing stress from abuse.

Terms Related to Reproductive Health +

Emergency Contraception	Medication to prevent pregnancy after unprotected intercourse; often provided to rape survivors.
Pregnancy Resulting from Rape	Possible outcome of sexual assault; survivors may receive emergency contraception or other medical options.
Sexual and Reproductive Health Services	Medical and counselling resources for survivors, including STI testing and pregnancy prevention.

Infectious Diseases +

Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)	An HIV-related disease potentially transmitted through sexual assault; survivors may be tested post-assault.
Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)	Infections like HIV, gonorrhea, or syphilis spread through sexual contact; risk is heightened in sexual assault cases.

Medical Intervention & Recovery +

Medical Care and Rehabilitation

Immediate and long-term healthcare for survivors, including surgical procedures, physical therapy, and follow-up.

Trauma +

Trauma	Emotional, psychological, or physical harm caused by distressing events, such as sexual assault or domestic violence.
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)	A mental health condition occurring within a month of a traumatic event, including symptoms similar to PTSD.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)	A disorder that may follow trauma, featuring flashbacks, nightmares, numbness, and heightened anxiety.
Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)	A severe form of PTSD caused by prolonged or repeated trauma, often involving emotional regulation difficulties and hopelessness.
Complex Trauma	Results from repeated or chronic exposure to stress (for example, ongoing abuse), deeply affecting the sense of safety and identity.
Rape Trauma Syndrome	The range of physical, emotional, and psychological responses survivors experience after sexual assault (shock, denial, fear).
Dissociation	A state of disconnection from emotions, thoughts, or reality, often triggered by overwhelming trauma.
Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)	Severe dissociation characterised by multiple identities or personalities as a coping mechanism for trauma.

Symptoms & Emotional Responses +

Anger Issues	Intense anger survivors may feel due to injustice or helplessness stemming from abuse.
Anxiety	Feelings of unease or fear, which can intensify after experiencing GBV.
Depression	A mental health disorder marked by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and hopelessness; common after abuse.
Emotional Dysregulation	Difficulty managing emotions post-trauma; may appear as mood swings or emotional numbness.
Emotional Numbing	A defense mechanism leading to reduced emotional responsiveness as self-protection.
Fear of Rejection	Constant worry of abandonment, often rooted in emotional or verbal abuse.
Flashbacks	Re-living traumatic events via intrusive memories, causing acute distress.
Guilt & Shame	Common in survivors who may blame themselves for the abuse inflicted on them.
Helplessness & Hopelessness	Feeling trapped or powerless, typical in prolonged abuse situations.
Low Self Esteem	A diminished sense of self-worth, often arising from chronic abuse.
Intrusive Thoughts	Distressing, unwanted thoughts of the traumatic event—hallmark of PTSD.
Sleep Disorders	Trouble sleeping (insomnia, nightmares) frequently affecting survivors with PTSD or anxiety.
Psychosomatic Symptoms	Physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches, chronic pain) that are intensified by psychological distress.
Somatic Symptom Disorder	Marked concern over physical symptoms (pain, fatigue) that often have psychological underpinnings.
Somatisation	Physical manifestations (headaches, stomachaches) triggered by emotional stress.
Sexual Dysfunction	Difficulties with sexual desire or arousal following sexual trauma or abuse.
Psychosexual Injury	Emotional or psychological harm directly tied to sexual violence, possibly manifesting in anxiety around intimacy.
Substance Abuse	Using drugs or alcohol to numb trauma, which can escalate into dependency.
Survivor’s Guilt	Feeling guilty for surviving abuse or violence when others may have been harmed.
Stockholm Syndrome	Victims developing sympathy or positive feelings toward their abuser or captor.
Self-Blame	Holding oneself responsible for the abuse experienced, often due to manipulative tactics by the abuser.
Self-Harm	Injuring oneself (cutting, burning) as a way to cope with the emotional pain of abuse.

Some Terms Related to Cognitive & Relational Challenges +

Attachment Issues	Difficulty forming stable relationships, often linked to childhood or chronic abuse.
Cognitive Dissonance	An internal conflict between beliefs/feelings and an abusive reality, impeding acknowledgment of the abuse.
Impact of Parenting	Survivors of childhood abuse may struggle with parenting due to unresolved trauma.
Impaired Emotional Development	Delayed emotional growth in children who experience abuse, affecting later coping and relationships.
Intergenerational Trauma	Trauma in one generation that impacts subsequent generations, continuing cycles of abuse and distress.
Interpersonal Conflict	Relationship or communication difficulties stemming from emotional scars of abuse.
Over-Compliance or People-Pleasing	A survival tactic where survivors appease others to avoid conflict or potential harm.
Boundaries	Personal limits to safeguard emotional, physical, and psychological well-being post-abuse.
Trauma Bonding	A strong emotional attachment to an abuser arising from cycles of violence interspersed with affection.

Terms to do With Coping and The Recovery Process +

Avoidance & Avoidance Behaviours	Actively eluding trauma reminders—people, places, or topics—which can lead to isolation.
Coping Mechanisms	Strategies (both healthy and unhealthy) for handling the emotional and psychological impact of trauma.
Relapse	Returning to harmful coping strategies after having made progress.
Re-traumatisation	Being triggered by cues that cause survivors to re-live the emotional and psychological effects of past trauma.
Resilience	The ability to bounce back from trauma and rebuild life despite adversity.
Post-Traumatic Growth (PTG)	Positive transformation following trauma, such as heightened personal strength or appreciation for life.

Professional Psychotherapeutic Approaches +

Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT)	A psychotherapy technique for recognising and changing negative thought patterns; effective in treating trauma symptoms.
Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR)	Psychotherapy using bilateral stimulation to help process and integrate traumatic memories.
Narrative Therapy	A therapeutic approach involving telling one’s story of abuse in a safe context, helping reframe identity.
Psychological First Aid	An immediate post-trauma approach offering comfort, stabilising emotions, and connecting survivors to services.
Trauma-Informed Therapy	Therapy tailored to the needs of survivors, minimising re-traumatisation and prioritising safety and empowerment.

Creative & Expressive Therapies +

Art Therapy	Use of creative outlets (drawing, painting, music) to express emotions and process trauma.
Dance / Movement Therapy	Using physical movement to help individuals express emotions, aiding trauma recovery.
Healing Through Art	Therapeutic use of creative activities to process trauma and express difficult emotions.

Holistic & Spiritual Approaches +

Ceremonial Healing Practices	Cultural or indigenous rituals (such as sweat lodges or healing circles) aimed at restoring balance and promoting healing.
Eco-Therapy	Healing through nature-based activities, helping survivors reconnect with the environment and find calm.
Faith-Based Counselling	Incorporating religious or spiritual beliefs into therapeutic support for survivors.
Holistic Healing Practices	Methods such as acupuncture, massage, or yoga that address both body and mind in trauma recovery.
Meditation and Prayer	Practices promoting emotional balance and spiritual connection, aiding the healing process.

Self-Help & Daily Coping Tools +

Coping Strategies	Healthy ways of managing stress (exercise, journalling, therapy), supporting trauma recovery.
Mindfulness	Being fully present in the moment to manage distressing thoughts and anxiety, aiding trauma survivors.
Self-Care	Activities promoting well-being (e.g. rest, exercise, creative hobbies), crucial for survivors’ healing.
Self-Compassion	Treating oneself with kindness and understanding, especially important after experiences of abuse.
Forgiveness	A personal choice to let go of anger or resentment towards the abuser; sometimes part of the healing process.

Some Terms Around Relationships & Identity +

Rebuilding Relationships	Learning to form healthy, trusting connections after abusive experiences.
Rebuilding Trust	Regaining trust in oneself and in others post-abuse, often involving setting boundaries.
Reclaiming Identity	Separating one’s identity from the abuse, rebuilding self-confidence and self-definition.
Self-Discovery	Exploring personal identity, strengths, and interests while healing from abuse.

Terms Explaining Broader Healing Concepts & Support +

Emotional Healing	The process of recovering from emotional harm caused by abuse, including shame, guilt, or fear.
Grief Counselling	Professional support to process losses (trust, safety, identity) arising from abuse.
Healing Through Art	A non-linear process of recovering physically, emotionally, psychologically, and socially from abuse.
Recovery	Overcoming the effects of abuse (physical, emotional, psychological) by regaining autonomy and rebuilding self-esteem.
Trauma Recovery	Addressing physical, emotional, and psychological harm from trauma, often through therapy and support.
Trauma-Informed Care	An overarching approach acknowledging trauma’s impact, ensuring safety, empowerment, and trust in treatment settings.
Therapeutic Support	Professional psychological or social work services that assist survivors in processing trauma.
Validation	Recognising and affirming a survivor’s emotions and experiences, a critical component of healing.

Prevention, Advocacy & Public Awareness +

Advocacy	Efforts to raise awareness and promote social or policy change to prevent and address GBV.
Bystander Intervention	Intervening when witnessing abusive behaviour, whether by offering help or reporting it.
Community Education & Awareness	Outreach (such as workshops) informing the public about GBV’s effects and available support.

Direct Support & Services of Survivors +

Care and Support Services	Legal and social services (e.g., counselling, medical care) designed to assist survivors.
Court Accompaniment	Support for survivors (e.g., NGOs) during legal proceedings, providing guidance and emotional help.
Safe Shelters & Housing	Temporary or permanent secure accommodation for survivors to recover in safety.
Safe Space	An environment (physical or emotional) where a survivor feels protected and respected.
Safety Planning	Creating a personalised plan to avoid further violence, identifying safe contacts, resources, and strategies.
Support Groups	Peer-based group settings offering emotional support and shared experiences.
Support Networks	Individuals or organisations (family, friends, community groups) providing assistance and resources.
Support Services	Broad range of resources (shelters, counselling, legal aid) offered to survivors of GBV.
Victim Empowerment Programme (VEP)	A South African initiative offering counselling, legal aid, and referrals for survivors.

Legal & Structural Supports +

Legal Advocacy & Representation	Help in navigating the legal system, seeking protection orders, or pursuing court action.
Legal Aid	Government-funded or subsidised legal representation for those who cannot afford it, often available to GBV survivors.

Empowerment & Rehabilitation +

Economic Empowerment Programmes	Financial education and job training to help survivors achieve independence.
Empowerment	The process of reclaiming control, rebuilding self-esteem, and making decisions that support well-being.
Rehabilitation	Programmes designed to help perpetrators change violent behaviour (e.g., anger management).

Some Things You May Have Heard Before +

Feminist Theory of Violence	A framework attributing abuse to societal power imbalances between genders, enabling violence against women.
Mental Health Stigma	Negative attitudes toward mental health conditions, which can further marginalise or silence survivors of GBV.
Victim-Blaming	Holding the survivor responsible for the abuse, minimising or ignoring the perpetrator’s role.

Glossary of Terms

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