Health Sector Interventions to address Gender Based Violence: in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Gender Based Violence (GBV) is a common form of violence globally and includes physical, sexual, emotional and economic violence. GBV has serious consequences for women’s health and well-being and takes a high national cost for the treatment and rehabilitation. Prevalence of GBV is usually underestimated. GBV is addressed globally using good practices in justice, health, education and multi- sector. Health sector is in a valuable position to support survivors and change social attitudes. Interventions taken in the health sector should be targeted at all three levels; primary prevention, secondary prevention and tertiary prevention. There are different models used in health care settings in different countries. “Mithuru Piyasa (in Sinhalese) / Natpu Nilayam (in Tamil)” which is staffed with a medical officer and a nursing officer was introduced in Sri Lanka as a “One Stop Crisis Centre/One Stop Service Centre” for survivors within the health institutions. Its main functions are screening, medical care, befriending services, risk assessment and safety planning, referral to legal, social, counseling and rehabilitation services, advocacy and community mobilization. Services are provided adhering to its guiding principles of safety, confidentiality, respect, non - discrimination, responsibility, competence and compassion. Documentation, Information management, progress review and evaluation are carried out for the sustainability of the service. Still this opportunity is not fully utilized. Service provision is not uniform in quality, coverage, equity, efficiency and effectiveness. Administrators are expected to develop their interest and pay their attention with priority, in supporting the functioning of these centres established under outpatient department by proper operation, expanding country wide and marketing.