Curatorial Hour on the Topic: “Socio-Psychological Aspects of Gender-Based Violence”

On October 27, 2026, Professor Tashtemkhanova R. M. of the Department of Political Science held a class hour for group B040-3106--2400 on the topic “Socio-Psychological Aspects of Gender-Based Violence.” It was held as part of the campaign against gender-based violence organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Tragic events related to gender-based violence occur in society, and, unfortunately, our society is no exception. The students were told that gender-based violence is violence connected with gender relations, inequality, and the use of violence against a partner.

Pedure and A. Curcan-Donțu divide violence into five types: physical, sexual, psychological, economic, and digital. The students were shown the difference between care and control. The authors also identify 7 myths: “if it were really bad, she would leave,” “he is mostly a good person,” “alcohol is to blame,” “it is a family matter,” “if he hits you, he loves you,” “silence is a sign of consent,” and “the family must be preserved.” It is important to understand that a person’s life is more important than the family.

Bancroft points out that an abuser’s inner dialogue is self-justifying and aimed at blaming the victim. Here it is important to distinguish between what a person says and how they act.

Two Kazakhstani cases were also examined. The first involved coercion into marriage, the so-called “qyz alyp qashu” (“kidnapping the girl”), and the second involved a husband stalking his ex-wife. The tragedy was that the young women’s requests for help were ignored. The state, for its part, conducted an internal investigation, as a result of which four police officers were dismissed and detained, which shows an acknowledgment of mistakes and work toward preventing such tragedies in the future.

How we can help: listen; do not blame the victim; turn to law enforcement and, if necessary, seek urgent medical care; and help with documents and housing, and with keeping the details secret from the aggressor.

What depends on society: stop covering up a spouse’s dangerous behavior by inventing justifications for it; respect a partner’s choice if they have chosen someone other than you; take requests for help seriously; and, finally, do not ignore danger signals.

In conclusion, it is important to understand that: violence is any coercion; refusal is a right; feelings do not justify a person; silence is not a solution; and we must listen carefully when people speak.

Behind the news about violence are real people whose plans and lives have been destroyed. But we can learn to notice the suffering of those around us and help them.

Respect for the freedom and dignity of others must become the norm!