Gender-based violence is violence that is directed at a person based on gender. It includes acts that inflict physical, mental, or sexual harm or suffering, threat of such acts, coercion, and other deprivations of liberty.
While women, men, boys and girls can be victims of gender-based violence, women and girls are the main victims.
Examples include:
- Rape-forced sex and defilement-sex with a person below 18 years (includes gang rape, marital rape)
- Sexual Assault (includes attempted rape and all sexual violence/abuse without penetration, and female genital mutilation)
Physical Assault (includes hitting, slapping, kicking, shoving, etc. that are not sexual in nature) - Forced Marriage (includes child marriage)
- Denial of resources, opportunities or services (includes denial of inheritance, earnings, access to school or contraceptives, etc)
- Psychological / Emotional Abuse (includes threats of violence, forced isolation, harassment / intimidation, gestures, etc)
- Harmful traditional practices (including incest, female genital mutilation. etc.)
If you have experienced Gender-Based Violence, there are available services to support you:
- Psychosocial Support: Emotional and psychological assistance for that can help you, family member or friend process the trauma.
- Health Assistance as Priority Immediate health assistance is available, particularly in cases of physical or mental harm.
- Specialized Support for Rape Survivors:
- Immediate access to Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) against HIV, prophylaxis for sexually transmitted infections, and emergency contraception is available for female survivors.
- Forensic evidence will be collected by the health sector when appropriate and with consent.
- Legal Assistance: To help navigate the legal procedures and assist you, family member, or friend pursue legal action.
- Material Assistance and Shelter: Resources are available like safe shelter when it is needed.
- Reporting Sexual Violence: Support to reporting to the police for acts of sexual violence or genital mutilation, if there is consent.
- Potential Relocation: Depending on circumstances, support to relocation to a safe house, shelter, or alternative location within the country, or resettlement consideration if necessary.
I have or someone I know has experienced physical or mental harm. Here is the available support.
Steps for Survivors/Witnesses of GBV:
- Contact FRRM Helpline: Dial 0800 32 32 32 for information on protection services and referrals to UNHCR and partners.
- Send an email to [email protected] for more information on protection services.
Through the helpline we can send a referral to UNHCR and partners with your protection needs. These services include:
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS) available for Asylum Seekers and Refugees:
- Community-Based Interventions: Programs promoting social cohesion within communities.
- Psychosocial Support Services:
- Counselling provided by trained psychosocial workers.
- Clinical mental health services available through psychiatric nurses and officers deployed in health facilities.
If you need mental health and psychosocial support services, you can approach the following organisations:
| Location | Organisation | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Bididbidi, Rhino Camp, Imvepi, Lobule, Kiryandongo, Kyangwali, Kyaka, Rwamwanja, Nakivale, and Oruchinga Settlements | TPO Uganda | Here |
| Adjumani, Palabek and Palorinya Settlements | Lutheran World Foundation (LWF) | Here |
Please note that ALL services delivered by UNHCR and partners, including registration, are provided for FREE.
