Gender-Based Violence

What is Gender-Based Violence (GBV)?

‘Gender-based Violence (GBV) is ‘an umbrella term for any harmful act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and that is based on socially ascribed (i.e. gender) differences between males and females. It includes acts that inflict physical, sexual or mental harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion, and other deprivations of liberty. These acts can occur in public or in private.’

Response Services

GBV is a serious human rights violation and a major public health issue. It is under-reported but known to happen in all contexts. Women and girls everywhere are disproportionately affected and are at heightened risk. Asylum-seekers, refugees, stateless persons, internally displaced persons, and returnees are at heightenedrisk of GBV, irrespective of their age, gender or other diversity considerations.

UNHCR Rwanda works closely with its partners including NGOs and Government institutions to ensure that the risks related to GBV are reduced and all survivors have adequate and timely access to quality services.

Where to seek help or services to support GBV survivors?

Isange One Stop Centres

Available to everyone in all 30 districts in Rwanda.

(To note: when approaching an Isange Centre, the GBV incident may be reported to law enforcement authorities).

Toll free: 3029

Plan International Rwanda

GBV prevention and response services in Kigeme, Mugombwa, Kiziba, Nyabiheke camp, Nkamira TC, Kijote TC and Nyarushishi TC.

Toll Free:

Kigeme camp: 0788317355

Kiziba camp: 0788317354

Nkamira TC: 078814144

Mugombwa Camp: 0788317364

Nyabiheke camp: 0788317364

Save the Children:

Overall GBV prevention activities and GBV response/ support services to survivors of GBV in Mahama, Gatore and Nyanza transit centers, Gashora ETM and refugees living in Kigali, Huye and other urban settings.

Toll Free: 8855


See also

<< Back to Rwanda homepage >> Select another country on our Help page