Sexual and gender-based violence (SGVB) remained a recurring problem for refugees in Burundi. 456 new cases (436 females and 20 males) were documented and assisted in the refugee camps and in Bujumbura. The majority were cases of rape (152 cases) and domestic violence (69 cases). Special attention and necessary assistance were provided according to the needs identified: 67 survivors received medical assistance before receiving psychosocial counselling and 175 were referred to the medical partner GVC.
In the course of the year 2,847 refugees (2,781 females and 66 males) received psychosocial support, 838 cases (835 females and 3 males) were referred by UNHCR to various actors for follow up interventions (including ONPRA, GVC and JRS). 20 groups discussions were held to encourage mutual support among survivors and address isolation. 4,671 women and girls benefitted from provision of secure spaces (Espoir centres, CUCOR) and 687 survivors (682 females and 5 males) received dignity kits. The involvement partners in the search for appropriate outcomes for survivors was the preferred approach. To this end, 126 case management meetings were held, including emergency meetings.
SGVB including sexual exploitation and abuse and related risks, which remained widespread in schools and communities, was addressed through awareness raising, community mobilization and active involvement of refugees (especially men) in SGBV responses. In this regard, particular attention was given to training on changing men's behavior in the fight against violence against women and girls. Teachers and groups of young adolescents within schools were trained to sensitize their peers to SGBV. A total of 1,341 large-scale awareness and management sessions were conducted in the five camps and in urban areas.
Standard operating procedures (SOPs) for prevention and response to SGBV were in place and established referral mechanisms were functional. All SGBV partners complied with the SOPs, as well as with the protocol for sharing information on SGBV. SGBV survivors had access to essential services (psychosocial, medical, legal and security assistance) all aimed at mitigating the consequences of SGBV and strengthening community reintegration. 28 selected facilitators assisted IRC community mobilizers and supported and referred survivors to case management services.