A total of 221 cases of gender-based violence were identified and 100% of gender-based violence survivors benefited from psychosocial support, as well as adequate referrals to respond to their needs and strengthen their resilience and well-being. In terms of prevention and response to gender-based violence, UNHCR undertook several initiatives to provide a holistic quality response for the survivors, which was comprised of security, medical, legal, and psychosocial support. Among the 221 identified cases, there were 87 cases of resource denial, 49 cases of psychological violence, 43 cases of physical assault, 21 rape cases (of which 19 of the survivors were minors), 11 sexual assault cases (seven of which involved minors), and 10 forced marriage cases, including eight cases of forced child marriage. 32 cases were referred to N'Guigmi and Diffa integrated health centers for medical services. Most rape survivors do not report within 72 hours, and therefore cannot benefit from PEP care. According to the needs identified, six cases were referred to the district court of N’Guigmi and Diffa for legal assistance. 10 cases were referred to the police stations of N'Guigmi, Diffa and Maine-Soroa. 115 dignity kits were distributed to gender-based violence survivors according to the case management plan in Diffa, N'Guigmi, Kablewa and Garin Wanzam; 100 survivors received improved fireplaces to help households improve the efficiency of their firewood use, which will help women and girls avoid having to travel long distances to look for wood outside the camp or sites. Additionally, 106 survivors were assisted with small income-generating activities (IGAs) as part of their socio-economic reintegration. 56 survivors received individual IGAs, and five groups were created with 10 members each. The objective of this support is to help strengthen the resilience of survivors.
10 staff from COOPI, CARE, ADES, HI, APBE, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (MAH) and UNHCR participated in an online training on the classification of gender-based violence incidents according to gender-based violenceIMS tool, the management of gender-based violence cases in the context of COVID-19, and how to work with LGBTIQ persons in situations of forced displacement. 16 health workers (9 women and 7 men) were also trained by COOPI on clinical management of rape cases and how to provide psychosocial support services to gender-based violence survivors. In addition, 61 persons – including 23 women and 38 men from the communes of Diffa, Maine Soroa, Chetimari, Kablewa and N'Guigmi – were trained on gender-based violence. The main topics focused on the key concepts of gender-based violence and referral mechanisms, as well as the follow-up with gender-based violence survivors upon referral to national service providers.
All activities carried out have had a positive impact not only on people of concern, but also on the host communities and all stakeholders working on gender-based violence. The active and functional community-based structures played an important role in prevention, which reduced the number of people likely to be victims, thus strengthening the protection environment. Prevention and awareness-raising activities also fostered the involvement of all community members. This means that men, young boys, traditional and religious leaders, and local authorities are committed to tackle gender-based violence alongside women and girls. Everyone's commitment aimed at behavior change and addressing gender inequalities.