According to 2020 statistics from Taiwan’s Department of Protection Services, women accounted for 80% of the victims in sexual assault reports, and men accounted for 85% of the perpetrators. Of domestic abuse reports, women accounted for 66% of the victims, and men accounted for 73% of the perpetrators. Based on these statistics, we can confidently say that this is not an issue of individual case; rather, it is a structural problem that needs the attention of our entire society. In short, sexual and gender-based violence is a gender issue.

Over a period of three years, we saw the percentage of male victims rise (in terms of sexual assault, from 16% to 17% to 19%, and in domestic abuse, from 30% to 32% to 34%). The number of LGBTQ+ people experiencing gender-based violence is also high. From our experience with the Multiple Discrimination and Gender Violence Prevention Center, established in 2019, problems LGBTQ+ people have suffered from at important stages in life include bullying in school (21%), domestic violence (19%), and workplace bullying (12%). The primary root of these attacks is their gender temperament and gender preferences. As long as stereotypes and myths on gender persist, prejudice and discrimination will only continue to increase. Therefore, it is of utmost urgency that we implement gender education and gender-based violence prevention.