scholarly journals Feasibility and acceptability of a universal screening and referral protocol for gender-based violence with women seeking care in health clinics in Dadaab refugee camps in Kenya

2017 ◽  
Vol 4 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. Vu ◽  
A. L. Wirtz ◽  
S. Bundgaard ◽  
A. Nair ◽  
G. Luttah ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Universal Screening ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Health Clinics ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Screening Protocol ◽  
Gender Based

Background.Gender-based violence (GBV) is both a global public health problem and violation of human rights. Refugees and internally displaced persons experience an increased risk of GBV and health outcomes associated with GBV are often exacerbated in conflict settings.Methods.A mixed methods study to examine the feasibility and acceptability of universal screening for GBV in a refugee population in the Dadaab refugee camp of Kenya, using the ASIST-GBV from January to July 2015.Results.Of 9366 women offered screening at International Rescue Committee health clinics, about 89% (n = 8369) female refugees consented to participate. Only 15% of the potentially eligible population could participate in GBV screening because of the ongoing struggle to identify private space in the clinics. Over 85% of women reported being ‘willing’ or ‘very willing’ to participate in GBV screening; 96% felt they had a good or very good experience with the screening protocol. Qualitative findings stressed the importance of securing a room/space in the busy clinic is critical to universal screening with referral to safe and confidential services for survivors.Conclusions.The findings suggest that the evidence-based ASIST-GBV is both feasible to implement and acceptable to both providers and women seeking care. Universal GBV screening and referral is an effective way for health care and service providers in humanitarian settings to assist survivors of GBV.

Increased Gender-based Violence Among Women Internally Displaced in Mississippi 2 Years Post–Hurricane Katrina

2009 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 18-26 ◽  
Author(s):  
Michael Anastario ◽  
Nadine Shehab ◽  
Lynn Lawry
Keyword(s):  
Intimate Partner Violence ◽  
Hurricane Katrina ◽  
Partner Violence ◽  
Physical Violence ◽  
Intimate Partner ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Gender Based

ABSTRACTObjectives: Although different types of gender-based violence (GBV) have been documented in disaster-affected populations, no studies have documented a quantitative increase in rates of GBV among populations living in protracted displacement after a disaster. We aimed to assess the change in rates of GBV after Hurricane Katrina among internally displaced people (IDPs) living in travel trailer parks in Mississippi.Methods: The study design included successive cross-sectional randomized surveys, conducted in 2006 and 2007, among IDPs in Mississippi using a structured questionnaire. We sampled 50 travel trailer parks in 9 counties in Mississippi in 2006, and 69 parks in 20 counties in 2007. A total of 420 female respondents comprised the final sample. We measured respondent demographics, forms of GBV including sexual and physical violence further subtyped by perpetrator, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and Patient Health Questionnaire-9–assessed depression.Results: Respondents had a mean age of 42.7 years. The crude rate of new cases of GBV among women increased from 4.6/100,000 per day to 16.3/100,000 per day in 2006, and remained elevated at 10.1/100,000 per day in 2007. The increase was primarily driven by the increase in intimate partner violence. GBV experience was significantly associated with increased risk for poor mental health outcomes.Conclusions: Overall, the rate of GBV, particularly intimate partner violence, increased within the year following Hurricane Katrina and did not return to baseline during the protracted phase of displacement. Disaster planning efforts should incorporate plans to decrease the incidence of GBV following a disaster, and to ensure adequate services to people with postdisaster GBV experience. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2009;3:18–26)

scholarly journals Services for refugees subject to sexual and gender-based violence in Turkey and Sweden

2019 ◽  
Vol 29 (Supplement_4) ◽  
Author(s):  
S Ozcurumez ◽  
S Akyuz ◽  
H Bradby
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Care Providers ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Health And Social Care ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender

Abstract Background Sexual and gender-based violence affects an unknown proportion of Syrians seeking refuge from the ongoing conflict. Exile implies a vulnerability to gendered harms with consequent health effects over the short- and long-term. Services for refugees tend to presume physical gendered harms accruing to women prior to exile, with little attention paid to the effects on refugees’ settlement in the new society. Methods Interviews with health and social care providers of services to refugees in Sweden (n = 20) and Turkey (n = 20), including international organisations, non-government agencies, municipal and other statutory agents. Results Definitions of sexual and gender-based violence that inform service delivery vary greatly between health and social care service providers, with these definitions proving critical for how services are configured and provided. Service providers may consider longer-term health problems arising from refugees’ experience of sexual and gender-based violence, but refugees’ prospects of integration are rarely explicitly addressed. Refugees’ own views on their health and social care needs do not inform the design or development of service provision. Conclusions The experience of sexual and gender-based violence by refugees from Syria is widely recognised among health and social care providers in Turkey and Sweden. However, the experience of such violence is rarely addressed as a public health problem, that is, as a social determinant of ill health and, furthermore, an impediment to successful integration. The long-term, ill effects of sexual and gender-based violence, as seen over the lifecourse, are over-looked when considering refugees. Key messages Services for refugees who have been subject to sexual and gender-based violence vary in terms of how that violence is understood and which of its outcomes are addressed. Sexual and gender-based violence when experienced by refugees is rarely seen as a public health problem.

scholarly journals Honour based violence as a global public health problem: a critical review of literature

2016 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 198-215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sadiq Bhanbhro ◽  
Anna Cronin de Chavez ◽  
Adelaide Lusambili
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Research Policy ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Health And Well Being

Purpose “Honour”-based violence (HBV), a form of gender-based violence (GBV), has received increasing interest from media, human rights organisations, academics and the public. A significant increase in the occurrence and reporting of HBV in many parts of the world and its detrimental impact on the health and well-being of women, girls, communities and wider society; marks it as a major public health concern. However, awareness and recognition of HBV in the field of public health is low in many countries and there is little known about its nature, roots and distribution. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach The literature was searched using the Scopus database and a series of search terms related to HBV, GBV and health and well-being. Findings Definition of HBV and its forms is varied across cultures. There is a lack of consensus on how HBV can be identified over other forms of violence and no explicit theoretical perspectives have been sufficiently developed to deepen the understanding of HBV. Although the findings from the review suggest that HBV forms and patterns may be regionally distinct, causes emanate from gender-based and socio-economic inequalities. Research limitations/implications This review has limitations in that it included only English and Spanish language papers and those accessed through Scopus; it therefore may have excluded papers from other languages, countries and databases. Another major weakness in this review was a lack of papers specifically dedicated to HBV. Despite these weaknesses the paper is an attempt to raise awareness and recognition of HBV in public health research, policy and practice domain. Originality/value The findings from the review highlight the complexity of tackling HBV in a globalised world. They also provide insights on how a public health model can be used to analyse both the causes and prevention of HBV. Further, a non-culturalised, unprejudiced and inclusive definition is required to flag-up and record HBV cases.

scholarly journals COPD, Depression and COVID-19 Pandemic: A Harrowing, Demoralizing and Deleterious Triad

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (8) ◽  
pp. 01-06
Author(s):  
Iqbal Akhtar Khan ◽  
Hamza Iltaf Malik
Keyword(s):  
Hospital Admissions ◽  
Hospital Readmissions ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Care Utilization ◽  
Global Public Health ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Co Morbidity ◽  
Pulmonary Manifestations ◽  
The Impact

COPD is a highly incapacitating global public health problem, with pulmonary and extra-pulmonary manifestations and usually associated with significant concomitant chronic diseases. With enhanced understanding, it has extensively been reported as a complex, heterogeneous and dynamic disease affecting patients’ health beyond pulmones. Depression, with prevalence of 322 million people, is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. In various epidemiological and clinical studies, its prevalence among patients with COPD varies from 18% to 80%. This deadly duo leads to excessive health care utilization rates and costs including increased rates of exacerbation, sub-optimal adherence to prescribed medications, increased hospital admissions, longer hospital stays and increased hospital readmissions. Moreover, there is increased risk of suicidal ideation, suicidal attempts, and suicidal drug overdose. It is a pity that, in significant cases, the co-morbidity remains under-recognized and under-treated. The impact of prevailing COVID 19 pandemic, on the dual burden of COPD and depression, and possible remedial measures including “The 6 ways to boost one’s well-being-by Mental Heath UK, “The Living with the Times” toolkit--by WHO” and innovative add-ons like Dance Movement Therapy and Musical Engagement Therapy have been discussed.

scholarly journals The potential role of network-oriented interventions for survivors of violence among refugees in Belgium

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emilomo Ogbe ◽  
Alaa Jbour ◽  
Ladan Rahbari ◽  
Maya Unnithan ◽  
Olivier Degomme
Keyword(s):  
Social Support ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Repeat Victimization ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Coping Process ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Open Coding ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
And Gender ◽  
Domestic Violence Survivors

Abstract Introduction Social support and social network members have been identified as an important factor in mitigating the effects of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and improving the coping process for many survivors. Network oriented strategies have been advocated for among domestic violence survivors, as they help build on improving social support and addressing factors that alleviate repeat victimization. There are opportunities to implement such strategies among refugees, who are survivors of SGBV in asylum centres, however, this has not been fully explored. This study sought to identify key strategies and opportunities for developing peer-led and network-oriented strategies for mitigating the effects of SGBV among refugees at these centres. Methods: 27 interviews, were conducted with service providers (n=14) and refugees (n=13) at three asylum centres in Belgium. Deductive coding was performed independently by two researchers based on pre-identified research questions, when new findings emerged outside the themes, open coding was done. Data triangulation was used with findings from observations at these centres over a period of a year. Findings: Many of the refugees presented with PTSD or psychosomatic symptoms, because of SGBV or other trauma experienced during migration. Peer and family support were very influential in mitigating the effects and social costs of violence among the refugees by providing emotional and material support. Social assistants were viewed as an information resource that was essential for most of the refugees. Peer-peer support was identified as a potential tool for mitigating the effects of SGBV

Rhetorical and Organizational Typification of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Stalking as Discrete Forms of Violence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin R Weiss
Keyword(s):  
Domestic Violence ◽  
Sexual Assault ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Participant Observation ◽  
Rhetorical Strategies ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Interactional Processes ◽  
Organizational Features ◽  
Forms Of Violence

Abstract Despite constructions of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking as discrete forms of violence, research shows that violence often co-occurs. Victims experiencing multiple forms of violence require different interventions from victims experiencing only one. Service providers’ understandings of domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking as discrete, then, potentially undermine their goal of effective intervention. Drawing on 26 months of participant observation in an anti-gender-based violence nonprofit organization, I explore how advocates construct each form of violence as independent from the others. Results show that both organizational features, such as training curricula and organizational jurisdictions, and rhetorical strategies, such as an under-emphasis on co-occurring violence, contribute to the construction of each type of violence as discrete. This paper is of interest to researchers, practitioners, and policymakers committed to designing and implementing effective responses to gender-based violence. I also advance social problems theory, showing that organizational features, not just interactional processes, contribute to typification.

scholarly journals Study protocol for a longitudinal study evaluating the impact of rape on women’s health and their use of health services in South Africa

BMJ Open ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. e017296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naeemah Abrahams ◽  
Soraya Seedat ◽  
Carl Lombard ◽  
Andre P Kengne ◽  
Bronwyn Myers ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Health Services ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Service Providers ◽  
Adult Women ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
The Impact

IntroductionSouth Africa is a country known for its high levels of HIV infection and sexual violence. Although the interface between gender-based violence, HIV and mental health has been described, there are substantial gaps in knowledge of the medium-term and long-term health impact. The 2010 Global Burden of Disease study excluded many health outcomes associated with rape and other forms of gender-based violence because systematic reviews revealed huge gaps in data and poor evidence of health effects. This study aims to describe the incidence and attributable burden of physical and mental health problems (including HIV acquisition) in adult women over a 2-year postrape period, through comparison with a cohort of women who have not been raped. The study will substantially advance our understanding of the impact of rape and will generate robust data to assist in the development of postrape health services and the delivery of evidence-based care.Methods and analysisThis longitudinal study seeks to recruit 1008 rape-exposed and 1008 rape non-exposed women. Women were recruited from health services, and assessments were carried out at baseline, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. Outcome measures include exposure to risk factors; mental health status; cardio-metabolic risks; and biomarkers for HIV, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and stress. The primary analysis will be to compare HIV incidence in the two groups using log-rank tests. Appropriate models to predict health outcomes over time will also be applied.Ethics and disseminationThe South African Medical Research Council’s Ethics Committee approved the study. As rape is a key element of the study, the safety and protection of participants guides the research process. We will adopt a research uptake strategy to ensure dissemination to policy makers, service providers and advocacy groups. Peer-reviewed journal articles will be published.

Unlocking the Potential of CEDAW as an Important Accountability Tool for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pramilla Patten
Keyword(s):  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
Optional Protocol ◽  
Post Conflict ◽  
Conflict Situations ◽  
Women's Participation ◽  
Access To Health ◽  
Peace And Security ◽  
General Recommendation ◽  
Gender Based

This chapter explores the application of the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) to conflict and post-conflict contexts as detailed in General Recommendation 30. It examines the implications of CEDAW and General Recommendation 30 on gender-based violence, the trafficking of women, the situation of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, women’s participation, and women’s access to health, education, employment, and justice. It also focuses on CEDAW’s reporting procedure, and suggests that this tool be utilized more effectively to address women’s situations in conflict and post-conflict situations. The chapter also examines the Optional Protocol to CEDAW as an accountability tool. The chapter concludes by emphasizing the importance of CEDAW acting in synergy with the Women, Peace, and Security Agenda.

scholarly journals Structural Violence among Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS) Within Idp Settlements in Mogadishu Somalia

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Gitobu Cosmas Mugambi ◽  
◽  
Karin Michotte ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Structural Violence ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Internally Displaced Persons ◽  
Displaced Persons ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Internally Displaced ◽  
South Central ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
Forms Of Violence ◽  
Protection Structures

Background: Gender based violence (GBV) remains a public health concern. Internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees have been shown to be at the highest risk of gender based violence. Somalia has been without a stable government for 26 years resulting in weak community and formal protection structures hence disproportionately increasing the vulnerability of females to gender based violence. Continued displacement of community members in South Central Somalia due to war, inters clan conflicts and the ongoing drought has resulted in more IDPs living in settlements along major urban areas. These IDPs continue to face violations such as forced evictions, discrimination and gender based violence. Objective: This study was aimed at investigating the past and present forms of structural violence faced by IDPs in Mogadishu as well as their knowledge and perceptions regarding the same. Methods: A descriptive cross sectional design was used in this study, in the month of May 2017. The study population for this survey was 320 IDPs in 10 IDP settlements in KM-11 and KM-13 regions of Mogadishu, South Central Somalia. Results: The study established a 91.7% prevalence rate of female genital mutilation among the female respondents. World Health Organization (W.H.O.) type III was the most common form of FGM that female respondents in the two IDP settlements (38.9%) had faced, followed by W.HO. type 4 (23.1%) and W.H.O. type I and II (15.9%). The mean age at which FGM was carried out among this group was 7 years while forced and early marriages (mean of 16 years) are common among this population group. Sexual assault and rape were singled out as the most common forms of violence faced by females in the two IDP settlements with the risk factors for this violence being described as displacement, overcrowding in IDP settlements, poor lighting in the IDP settlements at night, unaccompanied females in the IDP settlements and female headed households. Respondents expressed their overwhelming preference for community protection structures in averting GBV and customary law in arbitrating gender based violence cases. There was low awareness on services available for GBV survivors and so was the knowledge on the urgency to seek medical services within the 72 hours window period following rape. Conclusion: The study has established that structural violence is common among IDPs living in Mogadishu and it is constraining them from achieving the quality of life that would have otherwise been possible if they were not displaced. There is need to strengthen both community and formal protection units as well as raise awareness regarding the effects of the various forms of violence facing female IDPs, create awareness regarding services available for GBV survivors and ensure that these services are available and accessible to the IDPs

scholarly journals Gender-Based Violence in Adolescent Dating from a Medical Perspective: A Qualitative Study of the Needs Felt in Primary Healthcare Centres

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Isabel Cuadrado-Gordillo ◽  
Guadalupe Martín-Mora Parra
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Practical Knowledge ◽  
Public Health Problem ◽  
Gender Based Violence ◽  
Effective Prevention ◽  
Adolescent Dating ◽  
Comprehensive Intervention ◽  
Gender Based ◽  
The Moment

Violence in adolescent dating has become a worrying public health problem. Research carried out on the issue has focused on identifying the causes of this phenomenon. However, difficulties have been found in designing and implementing effective prevention programs. In this context, primary healthcare physicians are one of the most important figures in screening for and detecting this phenomenon, since, in many cases, they are the first to have contact with the victims. The present study focuses on the qualitative analysis of a series of interviews carried out with 95 primary healthcare physicians in Extremadura, Spain. These interviews addressed various questions related to the theoretical and practical knowledge that the physicians have about the topic. The analysis of their responses reveals some of the strengths and weaknesses of the Spanish public health system, at the same time as pointing to what is needed to be able to improve comprehensive intervention for the victims, from the moment they arrive for their first consultation until they are treated and referred to different health specialists.

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