The aim of this research was to deepen our understanding of how gender-based violence functions as a mechanism of disadvantage in women’s lives. Through improving this understanding, the authors aim to help draw attention to key sites and opportunities for disrupting this process.

This study found strong evidence for the existence of a 'gender trap', whereby violence victimisation increases women’s risks of being in deep multidimensional disadvantage, and deep disadvantage increases the risk of further victimisation. For some women, exposure to gender-based violence begins in childhood, and can lead to women getting caught in the gender trap in adulthood.

The findings indicate that a concerted and systemic approach is needed to eradicate gender-based violence. Further research is needed to identify the most effective policy and practice solutions for achieving this.