Gender-Based Violence Risk Mitigation by Non-GBV Specialists Prior to and during COVID-19: A Global Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Humanitarian Practitioners.

Vandana Sharma,Jocelyn T D Kelly,Annika Gompers,Jennifer Scott,Erin Patrick,Christine Heckman,Arsema Solomon

doi:10.3390/ijerph182413387

Abstract

Available evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic and response measures may lead to increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV), including in humanitarian contexts. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of humanitarian practitioners related to GBV risk mitigation approaches during COVID-19 in order to refine current guidance and inform future materials. A global, online cross-sectional survey of humanitarian practitioners was conducted between November 2020 and April 2021. We calculated descriptive statistics and used Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests to compare knowledge, attitudes, and practices among GBV specialists and non-specialists. Of 170 respondents, 58% were female and 44% were GBV specialists. Almost all (95%) of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they have a role to play in GBV risk mitigation. Compared to GBV specialists, a higher proportion of non-specialists reported little to no knowledge on GBV risk mitigation global guidance (38% vs. 7%, p < 0.001) and on how to respond to a disclosure of GBV (18% vs. 3%, p < 0.001). Respondents reported several barriers to integrating GBV risk mitigation into their work during COVID-19, including insufficient funding, capacity, knowledge, and guidance. Efforts to mainstream GBV risk mitigation actions should continue and intensify, leveraging the lessons and experiences generated thus far.

Highlights

gender-based violence (GBV) is prevalent in all contexts, emergencies disrupt protection structures and create circumstances that can lead to even greater risks of violence
52% of respondents reported that their work involves the Protection/GBV sector, followed by Health (36%), Child Protection (26%), Education (21%), Livelihoods (19%), and WASH (15%)
This study finds that while humanitarian practitioners in the sample almost unanimously agree that all humanitarian workers have a role to play in GBV risk mitigation, there are reported gaps in knowledge and experience, and barriers to integration of these actions within day-to-day work during

Summary

Introduction

Available evidence demonstrates that the risk of gender-based violence (GBV) increases during humanitarian crises [1,2]. GBV is prevalent in all contexts, emergencies disrupt protection structures and create circumstances that can lead to even greater risks of violence. Risks of GBV during crises are often exacerbated by factors such as separation from family members, disruption of social support systems and social cohesion, shifting responsibilities of family members, poverty, emotional stress, and lack of safe access to basic needs [3,4]. Sequelae of GBV include: poor physical and mental health outcomes [5,6,7], unintended pregnancy, and increased vulnerability to sexually transmitted infections, including HIV [8,9,10].

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Discussion

Conclusion