How would you handle an escalating situation between a couple on a bus?
Before you begin (trigger warning)
While discussing gender-based violence (GBV) can be important for healing and raising awareness, it's also essential to protect yourself and be mindful of personal triggers. Triggers can be experiences that cause a person to recall a traumatic event. For example, graphic images of violence might be triggering for some people. If anything here triggers you, it's okay to step back and focus on your safety and well-being. Seek out resources if needed, or try self-care strategies (PDF) like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones to feel grounded and in control.
Scenario 1
Read the following scenario and consider whether this would be GBV. Then, respond with what you would do in this situation.
You’re on the bus and see a couple in front of you arguing.
The argument gets more heated, with the man becoming increasingly agitated.
Suddenly, the man stands up, punches the seat he was sitting in, and the woman flinches.
Scenario 1 complete
Well done! you’ve completed Scenario 1: Heated argument. You now understand that acts of physical violence include situations where no direct contact is made with the other person. You also know what actions you can take if you encounter a similar situation in real life.
It’s important to note that acts of GBV like this can be amplified over time, leading to other forms of GBV.
Remember, these three steps are essential in addressing instances of GBV.
