Integrating post-violence care and sexual and reproductive health services: Means to strengthen GBV prevention and care

The topic is particularly relevant in the context of the SVRI Forum 2024, the world's premier research conference on violence against women and children, which is held this week in Cape Town.

Despite the central role of health staff in providing care, their role and expertise in SRH and SGBV is often overlooked when developing SGBV interventions, research and advocacy strategies. In addition to working with clients who experience physical, emotional, and sexual GBV, health professionals are likely to encounter forms of violence directly relating to provision of SRH services such as reproductive coercion. (See side box)

Globally, IPPF affiliates are among the primary SRH service providers in the countries where they work. The organisations aim to strengthen integrated survivor-centred first-line support and referral – which are crucial within 72 hours after sexual assault in order to prevent HIV and unwanted pregnancy.

The goal is to close the gaps between these emergency post-violence services and routine SRH services such as contraception, pregnancy tests, abortion and HIV and STIs prevention and treatment.This integrated approach is vital to closing service gaps and ensuring that survivors receive comprehensive and continuous care.

As the world increasingly prioritises gender equality, the need for improved health services for survivors of SGBV is more urgent than ever as well as the broader efforts to advance feminism, gender justice, humanitarian work and health systems. The SVRI Forum 2024 offers a unique platform for sharing innovative solutions that address these pressing challenges.

“We need to tackle the SGBV-SHR intersections as a matter of relevance and urgency if we mean to end violence against women and other at-risk individuals. The event has provided access to groundbreaking insights and initiatives that address some of the most pressing challenges today. We noted that we must tailor messages to address specific cultural norms within communities. Messages must reflect the community’s experiences, target their attitudes and motivate change. Efforts should include capacity building, community awareness, and engaging various social actors with the intention of shifting social norms to prevent and respond to SGBV,” says Phinah Kodisang, the CEO of Soul City Institute.

“Our conference session featured speakers from a range of countries and contexts, bringing together perspectives from the Global South and North. Discussions showcased equitable collaborations and solutions developed by leading organisations from India, Indonesia, Morocco and South Africa. The stories from these regions add diversity and richness to the global conversation and programmes on SGBV.”

“SGBV is a global epidemic with one in four women affected by violence across the lifespan. IPPF works in over 150 countries and SGBV is part of essential package of services. Member Associates are often the first point of contact for women experiencing violence,” highlighted Dr Seri Wendoh, IPPF Global Lead on Gender and Inclusion.

The event, led by women in influential roles, underscores Soul City Institute’s commitment to amplifying feminist leadership in transforming advocacy, policy and programme development. By integrating SRH with SGBV services, Soul City Institute aims to deepen its impact on gender justice, health equity and humanitarian efforts worldwide.

Soul City Institute calls on governments, civil society organisations, healthcare providers and international bodies to take bold steps in prioritising the integration of SRH and SGBV services. “When women access healthcare, it is often the first opportunity to identify sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), but the system typically only recognises physical violence or rape, overlooking other forms. While healthcare is seen as the last step in SGBV interventions, it is often the first disclosure point, leading to territorial issues between ministries.” says Dr. Kalpana Apte, Executive Director, Family Planning Association of India (FPAI).

Collaboration is essential and we encourage all stakeholders to engage in meaningful partnerships that bridge gaps, build resilience and amplify the voices of those at the forefront of this pursuit.

While responding to SGBV is important, prevention is the ultimate, but we need evidence-based methods to go beyond just raising awareness about SGBV, adds Dorah Kiconco Musinguzi, Senior Technical Advisor, What Works to Prevent Violence against Women. “Awareness alone is not effective, or it may be on its way to being effective, but the evidence doesn't support it yet. This highlights a critical need for reflection—we must improve our approach to prevention.”

Soul City Institute and its global partners are driving a movement to create a world where integrated health services and gender justice go hand-in-hand. Their dedication to embedding feminist principles in every aspect of their work ensures that ending SGBV is not just about immediate care but also about systemic change that empowers survivors, advances equality and builds a safer, more just society for all.

Detrimental impact of segregated SRH and SGBV programmes

• Missed expertise and practical insights: Health professionals possess valuable practical insights and hands-on experience that can inform more effective interventions. Ignoring their perspectives may lead to strategies that are less grounded in the realities of clinical care and survivor support, reducing the effectiveness of these interventions.

• Reduced quality of care: If health staff are not consulted or involved, the care provided to survivors may lack a nuanced understanding of SGBV dynamics, potentially leading to services that are ill-fitted to the needs of survivors. This could negatively impact the recovery process, physical and emotional wellbeing of those experiencing SGBV.

• Limited advocacy and awareness: Health workers have a unique position in raising awareness about SGBV, as they often witness firsthand its effects. Not involving them in strategies may limit the strength and reach of campaigns to end SGBV, missing the chance to mobilise the medical community in advocating for policy changes and preventive measures.

• Missed opportunity for comprehensive training: The absence of health staff in the development of SGBV interventions may result in a lack of targeted training for them.

• Fragmented approach: Effective SGBV response requires a multi-sectoral approach, including legal, psychosocial, and health components. By overlooking the health staff’s role, interventions risk becoming fragmented, reducing the comprehensive nature of support that survivors require, which can delay their recovery.