Abstract

Engagements with peer-to-peer facilitators in a higher-education institution (HEI) highlighted the fact that students have varying perceptions of genderbased violence (GBV). This article explores the pre-intervention perceptions of GBV among peer-to-peer facilitators on a university campus in South Africa. A qualitative descriptive research design was employed and the participants were selected using non-probability purposive sampling. Preintervention open-ended questionnaires were administered to 30 peer-topeer facilitators, followed by three days of training. The data obtained were analysed using Tesch’s eight steps. This analysis led to the development of themes and an understanding of GBV, its occurrence and its impact. The findings on understanding GBV revealed that it could affect anyone and manifest itself in physical, emotional, psychological and sexual ways. And women, men and children can be affected. GBV can be directed from women to women, men to men, men to women, women to men and can be associated with sexual orientation. Regarding its occurrence, most of the participants revealed that it occurs on campus and in intimate relationships and that some incidents are not reported. The participants perceived that the effects of GBV can include poor academic performance, students dropping out of their studies, depression, emotional trauma, suicidal behaviours and a violation of human rights. This article discusses the peerto-peer facilitators’ perceptions of GBV on campus prior to their training.