INTRODUCTION Gender based violence is a common and serious public health problem affecting millions of people each year throughout the world. Women and children are the most vulnerable to exploitation, violence and abuse by virtue of their perceived gender roles. Botswana is no different from all the other countries. Although Botswana has put in efforts to combat this issue of gender based violence it still remains a prominent problem. Newspaper reports regularly report of incidences of violence where even babies are assaulted sexually. This paper seeks to examine the meanings of the concept ‘gender- based’ violence, we will also explore gender-based violence and the impact it has on the most vulnerable groups in society more specifically children, We shall also evaluate the roles of social workers and other stakeholders in addressing this issue and lastly make suggestions of what could be done to tackle this issue and ensure that children are protected. WHAT IS GENDER BASED VIOLENCE Gender based violence includes any threat that is opposed on the opposite sex (women and children) by man. This threat is inflicted by either individuals or male dominated organization and institutions (Pan African health organization, 2003). Gender-based violence includes physical, sexual and psychological violence such as domestic violence; sexual abuse, including rape and sexual abuse of children by family members; forced pregnancy; sexual slavery; traditional practices harmful to women, dowry-related violence; violence such as murder and rape; and emotional abuse, such as coercion and abusive language. It also includes forced marriage, sexual harassment. While both males and females can suffer from gender-based violence, studies show that women, young women, and children of both sexes are most often the victims. Culture has also contributed to this threat, in the sense that man are raised and socialized to behave in certain ways, ways that may at times be harmful to women and children, also the cultural practices and beliefs that some tribes adhere to do not favor the women and children. Gender based violence is not an isolated issue as it happens in all societies, across all social classes, with women and children particularly at risk from men they know, this maybe a neighbor, relative , friend and at times an employer. It is a major violation of human rights. The IASC guidelines on Gender based violence interventions in Humanitarian settings (2005) describes gender violence as ‘an umbrella term for any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will, and that is based on socially ascribed (gender) differences between males and females. GENDER BASED VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN A child is defined as any person under the age of 18. At this age children are dependents who live under the same roof as their parents. The world report on violence and health 2002 defines violence against children as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual against a child by an individual or group that either results in or is likely to result in actual or potential harm to the Childs health, survival, development or dignity. All forms of gender based violence are a violation of the rights of the child, they have negative impacts on the girls and boys health, they have negative impact on their social development and perpetuate power inequalities in interpersonal relations and within society (Stegling 2008: 5). TYPES OF GENDER BASED VIOLENCE There two types of gender based violence which are overt physical abuse and psychological abuse. Overt physical abuse includes such things as battering and sexual assault inflicted on women and children. Psychological abuse includes such things as sexual harassment and the use of coercion and abusive language. There is also deprivation of resources that are needed for physical and psychological well being this includes education, nutrition and health care. GENDER BASED VIOLENCE IN BOTSWANA Worldwide an estimated one in three women has been beaten, coerced into sex or abused in their lifetime.Here in Botswana, a country well-known for its history of peace and its commitment to the rule of law, women and children have been victims of violence at disturbing rates. A study done by Gender links for equality and justice in 2012 states there are over two thirds of women in Botswana who have experienced some form of gender based violence in their lifetime and 67% of women reported being victims of partner and non partner violence. A smaller but high proportion of men 44% admit to perpetrating violence against women. This statistic is only give a glance into GBV in Botswana as there are many cases that go unreported .The statistics of gender based violence in Botswana are disturbing. Violence and discrimination based on sex, gender and sexual orientation is a disturbing issue that our society and communities are faced with. Gender based violence is especially t