SGBV prevention and response

2016

Problem assessment 

304 SGBV cases were reported and captured in GBVIMS, 80% of whom were able to access services including health, counselling, and accommodation in the safe house. Only one-third of survivors reported incidences within the critical timeframe of 72 hours. Some perpetrators go unpunished and act with impunity when they are not arrested, which further discourages survivors and witnesses from reporting. Some perpetrators return to their country of origin after committing the crime.In the GBVIMS, six out of seven cases taken to court in 2014 were dropped due to lack of material evidence. Indecent assault and exposure has been perpetuated through shared sleeping areas. 

UNHCR will coordinate activities through the SGBV inter-agency working group, which reports to the protection working group. A local work plan is in place and a strategy will be developed in 2015, guided by the national SGBV strategy and applicable framework.  UNHCR’s SGBV programme will continue to build on the results of the Safe from the Start project, with a particular focus on facilitating youth community watch groups, community-based mechanisms to respond to SGBV at the grassroots level, and training stakeholders as well as engaging men and boys as agents of change.  Individual case management and coordination systems will be built on the foundations developed in 2015. Information packages, based on inter-agency SOPs including referral pathway and available services for SGBV survivors will be developed and distributed. The working group will be responsible for adherence to standards in SGVB case interventions. Enhancing data management will be a priority to ensure that information management through the GBVIMS is used consistently with the HIS GBV-related data. Mainstreaming and integration of SGBV, child protection, education and livelihoods interventions will be ensured, as will capacity-building and monitoring activities. This, in combination with facilitating community-based mechanisms, case management and prevention activities, will foster as comprehensive prevention and response programme.

In Kiryandongo, 43 SGBV incidents were recorded in the GBVIMS (21 physical assault, 11 rape cases, 5 denial of resources and 3 psychological or emotional abuse cases). Reported contributing factors exposing girls and women to risks of sexual assault included: inadequate parental care, cultural influence that promotes early marriages; inadequate household income that leads to domestic violence and survival sex; and congested accommodation shelter in the settlement.

Comprehensive response

UNHCR plans to build the capacity of 40 SGBV peer educators identified in 2014, review its SGBV SOPs, and strengthen the referral pathway. Further, new networks with organizations involved in SGBV advocacy work will be established, while existing partnerships will be strengthened. Community-based structures will be established and strengthened to conduct awareness campaigns (development of IEC materials, SMS messaging, Music Dance and Drama and community drives) and promote change in community attitudes, knowledge and behaviour. The Office will also initiate SGBV prevention and awareness activities targeting youth through a pyramid networking strategy, work with other stakeholders to ensure gender-sensitive programming, and work with boys and men in creating awareness and response mechanisms. Mass communication and community awareness raising activities will target 10,000-25,000 people.

Prioritized response

Partial implementation of this objective will not allow UNHCR to respond adequately and comprehensively, with severe consequences are expected for SGBV survivors. These include: increased cases of general and unwanted pregnancy; sexually transmitted infections and related gynaecological complications (Fistula), which will potentially result in women, girls and boys being disempowered, distressed and traumatised.

Different forms of violence will increase if men and boys are not directly involved in SGVB response and prevention activities, which impacts on the social and economic fabric of the community.

Not responding adequately and comprehensively, severe consequences are expected for the survivors. For example, increased cases of general and unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and related gynaecological complications (Fistula), which will potentially result in women, girls and boys being disempowered, distressed and traumatised.
Different forms of violence will increase if men and boys are not directly involved in SGVB response and prevention activities, which impacts on the social and economic fabric of the community. 

In Kiryandongo prioritized activities are to build the capacity of the 40 SGBV peer educators identified in 2014, with training focused on SGBV prevention and response. Further, new networks with organizations involved in SGBV advocacy work will be established, while existing partnerships will be strengthened. Community-based structures will be established and strengthened to conduct awareness campaigns (development of IEC materials, SMS messaging, Music Dance and Drama and community drives) and promote change in community attitudes, knowledge and behaviour. The Office will also initiate SGBV prevention and awareness activities targeting youth through a pyramid networking strategy, work with other stakeholders to ensure gender-sensitive programming, and work with boys and men in creating awareness and response mechanisms. Mass communication and community awareness raising activities will target 10,000-25,000 people.

UNHCR will work to ensure that all survivors have access medical care, are informed of available services, and those opting for legal recourse are availed appropriate support. UNHCR will also provide material assistance to survivors and ensure access to psychosocial support for all the survivors and their families as appropriate. Girls leadership mentorship programmes will be launched in schools, aimed at enhancing girls’ participation and decision-making for their own protection against SGBV. The Office will also enhance data management and its use through GVBIMS, profiling incidents to track trends and determine appropriate action based on the observed patterns of SGBV cases reported. Community-based protection models and practices will also be evaluated by engaging the communities through focus group discussions. Key community-based protection structures will also be used to facilitate Go and See visits in other settlements and promote expansion of good practices across the settlement through peer learning.