Gender-based violence and femicide (GBVF) has increasingly been recognised as a global issue. While initially focused primarily on men’s violence against women (VAW), in response to extremely high rates of VAW globally. The definitions of GBVF used by different governments and organisations have expanded to include violence against the lesbian, gay, trans, queer, intersex, asexual (LGBTQIA+) community, and sometimes violence against men. However, in practice, many organizations, including institutions of higher learning (IHL), still apply narrow understandings of GBVF attacks that occur on their campuses. This paper advances knowledge regarding what is already known about the understanding GBVF, by exploring further on the illusive nature of GBVF at IHL; the risk factors for and protective factors against GBVF on campuses; its impact; the entry-points for addressing GBV; and the challenges in addressing it. From the findings there is an evidence of a narrow focus on the kinds of GBVF related attacks that occur at IHL, the impact thereof, and the awareness of the kinds of GBVF attacks experienced at IHL, are highlighted in order to inform policy and change of culture within the IHL. Possible recommendations are provided towards sustainable response to GBVF. These will go a long way to develop effective strategies that can be used to address the possible GBVF attacks.

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