With the onset of COVID-19 around the world, a lot of couples who previously had to tolerate each other for a maximum of about six to eight hours now have to stay weeks or months around each other. That is all thanks to the stay-at-home, work-at-home, and study-at-home measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. Sadly, there has also been an increase in the number of GBV cases being reported to the authorities.
So what is GBV?
According to the United Nations:
“Gender-Based violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender. It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power, and harmful norms.
And the UNHCR website goes further to say:
“Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious violation of human rights and a life-threatening health and protection issue. It is estimated that one in three women will experience sexual or physical violence in their lifetime.”
One might wonder, is GBV synonymous with assaulting a woman? Does it not include cases where men are on the receiving end of the assault from women?
Perhaps it has to do with the fact that typically, a man will not report being assaulted by a woman. Even if they do, they are likely to be ridiculed by their friends, society, and even the authorities from whom they are supposed to get justice. The case itself might not be handled with the same gravity or even dealt with expeditiously compared to when it is a woman that was assaulted.
A Male Artist who Kicked a Female Fan
This article was prompted by an incident that happened to a female Ugandan singer while performing on stage. However, let us talk about Kevin Gate, before getting to the Ugandan singer.
Kevin Gate is an American rapper, singer, and entrepreneur currently signed by Bread Winner’s Association. In September 2015, Gates made headlines in the wrong ways after being charged with battery after kicking a female fan at a concert in Florida. Below, we have a video of how the incident unfolded:
Wasn’t necessary for Kevin Gates to kick a female fan for touching him during his performance. pic.twitter.com/KVp9ItOZEV
— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) August 30, 2015
The short story of Mr. Gates is that Polk County, Florida found him guilty of battery. He was sentenced to 180 days with credit for any time serves, and fines and court costs. Gates’s case was handled by a jury of six women who made their final decision after one day of testimony.
@KarenCivil shameful, and he has a daughter too. I Hope that woman sues the bottom out his pockets.
— Megaciph (@Megaciph) August 30, 2015
@KarenCivil ignorant. He doesn’t want a career does he?
— LaTasha (@downtown7thave) August 30, 2015
@KarenCivil they need to stop supporting him and giving him their money, disrespectful motherfucker.
— I Don’t Know (@Miss_NoManners) August 30, 2015
@KarenCivil boycott Kevin gates
— skeetmoses (@skeetmoses) August 30, 2015
Miranda Dixon, who was the alleged victim in the case said she only tugged on Gate’s pants to try “to get his attention” for her friend.
During an interview with a section of the media, Gates said: “Life is about conduct and how we conduct ourselves, but two wrongs never make a right. But I’ll say this, I’ll use Nicki Minaj again ‘cause people tell me that women love her and people lover her: If I was to go front row while she was on stage performing and stick my finger in her p#$$Y, and she kicked me in the mouth and knocked one of my gold teeth out, I would be wrong.
I would be wrong for that, and that’s all I’ll say. To touch someone’s genitals without their consent is a sexual battery. To touch someone without their consent is a simple battery.”
A Female Artist who Double-Kicked a Male Fan
Now back to the female Ugandan artist we mentioned earlier. The artist in the matter goes by the stage name Vinka and she became a hot trending topic on Twitter after an incident that occurred during her performance on a South Sudan stage.
During Vinka’s performance, a male fan situated at the front row of the crowd attempted to grab her by the p#$$Y. Vinka reacted by kicking the man and the man withdrew until he was no longer a threat. Check the video below:
Ugandan singer @IamVinka appears to kick out at a fan who tried to touch her private parts during a performance in South Sudan pic.twitter.com/1hDItscIqy
— MBU (@MBU) May 15, 2021
Well, this is not a judicial court, but clearly, the man did something wrong that ought to be punished. We really hope he got the justice he deserved for not respecting a woman.
Even if she appeared all naked no man has any authority to harass her sexually, these sons of Adam can be disgustingly disrespectful
— Eve Akakisiima (@EAkakisiima) May 15, 2021
He deserves every bit of that kick!!!!!
I hate it when men do not respect women!!!!!
He had no right to do such a thing
This is disturbing to watch!!!….to even get the nerve to stretch his hand and do that!!!!— patsy🌹 (@vanpatsy96) May 15, 2021
The replies under this are disgusting. If she wanted to go on that stage butter ball ass naked , she could. And that still still doesnt give anyone the right to put their hands on her.
— bruja (@_wookprincess) May 16, 2021
She had every right to kick that fan , men can make you feel uncomfortable . What made him think it was right to do what he did .
— Ma’Dlamini 🤍✨ (@I_am_Bucie) May 16, 2021
Is Equality a One-Way-Street?
On the flip side, comparing the ordeal that Vinka went through to what Kevin Gate went through raises a lot of questions. Is the judicial system forgiving on women who assault men? Is it okay for a woman to disrespect a man? Below are some tweeps who shared their views on the matter:
The wildest part about a lot these replies is how they’re really tryna argue about how different the situations are (which they’re not) and this whole time I’ve been saying how both of them had every right to react the way they did.
Ironically y’all are proving my point.
— Idris Elbow 💪🏾 (@YallLuvCris) May 17, 2021
Facts but because he’s a man he was supposed to just let that lady violate him… he been told people man or woman disrespect him and he going off and that interview where he spoke about it saying if a fan touched Bey Pussy nothing would be said if she kicked a fan
— GUT TOUCHER 😤🤴🏾 (@BigDaddyXXI) May 17, 2021
Bruh everyday they use shit to benefit their point rather than just seeing the reality of it all
— GUT TOUCHER 😤🤴🏾 (@BigDaddyXXI) May 17, 2021
