Integrating care for sexual and gender-based violence survivors in newly-restored sexual and reproductive health facilities in Amhara, Ethiopia

Principal Investigators: Professor Negussie Deyessa (EPHA/Addis Ababa University), Professor Jacqueline Broerse (VU)

Purpose

The aims of this research are to:

• Investigate the prevalence of GBV, experiences of stigma, poor mental health, healthcare needs of survivors and barriers to service use.
• Assess existing GBV services and healthcare worker capacity.
• Propose an integrated approach to high-quality GBV care delivery;
• Develop insights for research, policy and practice on SRH and GBV health systems in conflict-affected areas.

Expected Outcomes

This study aims to alleviate the negative health and social effects of GBV by increasing understanding of the scope of GBV, associated stigma and barriers to GBV services. The research will also explore the needs of women and girls and how services can be made available, accessible and of high quality.

As part of the theory of change of this project, the outputs initially contribute to the understanding of the needs of GBV survivors and the required and feasible health system response. The short-term outcome within this study are the service delivery models/protocols, including a detailed description of required workforce competencies for integrated GBV care. These models are anticipated to include, but are not limited to, services and referral systems at all levels of care (community to tertiary), encompassing the individuals social, mental and physical needs as well as community-based interventions.