Economics and Inequality: How Economic Factors Influence the Increase of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence is an epidemic that constantly affects society, causing significant harm to communities. Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a pervasive issue globally, with economic factors playing a crucial role in its prevalence and escalation. This paper examines the relationship between economic inequality and the increase in gender-based violence, focusing on how poverty, unemployment, and economic instability exacerbate vulnerabilities, particularly for women. This paper explores the relationship between economic factors and the escalation of gender-based violence (GBV). Economic inequality, poverty, unemployment, and economic instability are identified as key contributors to the perpetuation of GBV, creating environments where power imbalances between genders are magnified. Economic dependency often traps women in abusive relationships, as financial constraints limit their ability to seek support or escape violence. Additionally, economic downturns and crises exacerbate stress and tension, which can manifest as increased violence within households. The paper also examines how societal wealth disparities perpetuate gender inequality, limiting women’s access to resources, education, and opportunities, thereby heightening their vulnerability to violence. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the importance of addressing economic inequality through structural reforms to reduce gender-based violence, advocating for policies that promote financial independence and enhance access to resources for women as key steps in mitigating this issue. This paper will also address the measures proposed by North Macedonia in preventing and providing assistance to victims of gender-based violence.