Sexist violence is a complex phenomenon that affects millions of people around the world, leaving physical, emotional and psychological consequences. To better understand this problem, it is useful to analyze the pyramid of sexist violence, a model that allows us to visualize the escalation of gender violence from the most subtle and normalized forms to the most extreme and lethal.
The pyramid of sexist violence
The pyramid of sexist violence is a concept developed by experts in gender and violence to explain how violence intensifies and escalates in relationships based on gender inequality. Like a pyramid, this model presents different levels that go from the base to the top, representing the various forms of violence that can manifest in a relationship.
Level 1: Symbolic and structural violence
At the first level of the pyramid are the most subtle and normalized forms of sexist violence, such as symbolic and structural violence. This form of violence manifests itself through the reproduction of gender stereotypes, roles and norms that perpetuate inequality between men and women. For example, sexist advertising, sexist jokes or policies that discriminate against women are examples of symbolic and structural violence.
Level 2: Verbal and emotional violence
In the second At the level of the pyramid is verbal and emotional violence, which includes insults, humiliation, threats, emotional blackmail and psychological control by the partner. These forms of violence can be difficult to identify, since they do not leave visible physical marks, but they have a devastating impact on the self-esteem and mental health of the person who suffers it.
Level 3: Economic and economic violence resource control
At the third level of the pyramid is economic violence and resource control, which is manifested through the limitation of access to economic resources, the restriction of financial autonomy and the appropriation of property by the couple. This form of violence seeks to keep the affected person in a situation of dependence and economic vulnerability.
Level 4: Physical violence
At the fourth level of the pyramid is physical violence. , which includes hitting, pushing, kicking, strangling and any form of physical aggression against the partner. Physical violence is one of the most visible and recognized forms of sexist violence, but it is usually preceded by the previous levels of the pyramid.
Level 5: Sexual violence
In the fifth At the top of the pyramid is sexual violence, which ranges from sexual harassment and sexual humiliation to rape and sexual exploitation. Sexual violence is based on the objectification of the body of the affected person and the denial of their autonomy and sexual dignity.
Level 6: Femicide
At the last level of the pyramid There is feminicide, which is the most extreme and lethal form of sexist violence. Femicide is defined as the murder of a woman for reasons of gender, and is usually the most tragic outcome of a relationship of gender violence. It is important to highlight that feminicide is the tip of the iceberg of a much broader and deeper problem of gender inequality and discrimination.
In conclusion, the pyramid of sexist violence helps us understand the complexity and severity of this social problem, as well as to visualize the escalation of violence that a person can experience in a relationship based on gender inequality. It is essential to raise awareness, educate and prevent sexist violence in all its forms to build a more just and equal society for all people.