The Intersection of Visual Narrative and Gender-Based Violence: A Study of Graphic

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a widespread problem that impacts people in different social and cultural settings and is often made worse by factors like race, gender, and socioeconomic status. The use of graphic novels has become an important way to challenge public views on gender equality and social justice by illustrating the complexities of GBV and how it affects marginalised groups. This study focuses on how graphic novels depict gender-based violence (GBV) through the lens of intersectionality - the interaction of race, gender, and social identity. By examining works such as Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi and Fun Home by Alison Bechdel, the research explores how visual narratives evoke empathy, capture lived experiences, and convey the structural and cultural dimensions of GBV. From a critical feminist perspective, the paper argues that graphic novels offer an accessible and impactful platform for representing marginalised voices, highlighting the intersection of gender oppression with other identity factors such as race and sexuality. This approach, which combines different areas of study, highlights how graphic novels can question stereotypes and encourage opposition to oppressive systems. The paper aims to position graphic novels as significant cultural artefacts in the struggle for gender equality and social justice, contributing to the broader discourse on how media texts influence public perception of GBV.

Keywords: Graphic Novels, Gender-Based Violence, Intersectionality, Visual Narrative, Feminist Theory