"A Comprehensive Review of Women's Exposure to Gender-Based Violence in Timor-Leste: Insights Applied from Feminist, Intersectionality, and Health Determinants Theory"

Gender-based violence (GBV) remains a critical public health and human rights concern in Timor-Leste, deeply rooted in intersecting social, economic, cultural, and institutional factors. Grounded in intersectionality theory, this narrative review explores how multiple dimensions such as gender, poverty, geographic isolation, health status, and customary norms exacerbate women’s vulnerability to GBV. Drawing on recent literature, national reports, and policy documents, the paper identifies key determinants that sustain violence, including entrenched patriarchal attitudes, weak law enforcement, limited access to healthcare and legal aid, and persistent stigma—particularly for women with disabilities or chronic illnesses such as HIV or tuberculosis. While legislative frameworks like the 2010 Law Against Domestic Violence exist, their implementation is constrained by cultural resistance and limited institutional capacity. The review synthesizes findings from national and regional reports, including the 2016 and 2022 Demographic and Health Survey (DHS), to highlight structural and institutional gaps that perpetuate violence and challenging effective response. This contributes to the existing literature by synthesizing fragmented data, identifying policy and service gaps, and aligning national challenges with global goals, particularly Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 3 (health) and 5 (gender equality). It calls for stronger coordination between stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and contextually relevant GBV prevention and response strategies.