GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE RESPONSE

The Global Alliance for Public Health Initiative (GAPHI) is dedicated to addressing pressing public health challenges, including gender-based violence (GBV). GBV is a pervasive global issue that affects individuals of all ages, genders, and socio-economic backgrounds. GAPHI recognizes the urgent need to address GBV as a public health priority and is committed to providing comprehensive response strategies to mitigate its impact.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive violation of human rights that affects individuals worldwide, with profound physical, emotional, and social consequences. Recognizing the urgency of addressing GBV as a public health priority, the Global Alliance for Public Health Initiative (GAPHI) is committed to implementing comprehensive response and prevention strategies in collaboration with international organizations such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Response to Gender-Based Violence

GAPHI is dedicated to providing survivor-centered support to individuals who have experienced GBV. In alignment with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 on gender equality and Goal 3 on good health and well-being, GAPHI offers a range of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of survivors, including:

1. Comprehensive Care: GAPHI provides survivors with access to medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and safe housing, guided by WHO's guidelines on responding to intimate partner violence and sexual violence against women. By addressing the physical, emotional, and legal dimensions of GBV, GAPHI ensures that survivors receive holistic care to facilitate their recovery and empowerment.

2. Trauma-Informed Services: GAPHI adopts a trauma-informed approach to service delivery, informed by WHO's principles of trauma-informed care. This approach recognizes the impact of trauma on survivors' lives and seeks to create environments that are safe, supportive, and empowering. By prioritizing survivors' autonomy, dignity, and well-being, GAPHI minimizes re-traumatization and fosters healing and resilience.

3. Capacity Building: GAPHI invests in capacity-building initiatives to strengthen the skills and knowledge of healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, and social service organizations in responding to GBV. Drawing on WHO's training materials and resources, GAPHI equips frontline responders with the tools and competencies needed to provide sensitive and effective support to survivors, as well as to identify and address GBV in their communities.

Prevention of Gender-Based Violence

In addition to responding to GBV, GAPHI is committed to preventing its occurrence through targeted interventions informed by evidence-based practices and global guidelines. Guided by the UN's Secretary-General's UNiTE to End Violence against Women campaign and WHO's Global plan of action to strengthen the role of the health system within a national multisectoral response to address interpersonal violence, in particular against women and girls, GAPHI implements the following prevention strategies:

1. Community Education and Awareness: GAPHI conducts community education programs and awareness-raising campaigns to challenge harmful gender norms and promote gender equality and respect. By engaging with communities and raising awareness about the root causes and consequences of GBV, GAPHI seeks to change attitudes and behaviors that perpetuate violence and discrimination.

2. School-Based Programs: GAPHI implements school-based programs to educate young people about healthy relationships, consent, and gender equality, in line with WHO's guidelines on preventing violence in educational settings. By promoting positive social norms and teaching essential life skills, GAPHI empowers young people to reject violence and build respectful and equitable relationships.

3. Policy Advocacy: GAPHI advocates for the adoption of policies and laws that prevent and address GBV, guided by WHO's guidelines on developing national responses to GBV. By working with policymakers and stakeholders, GAPHI seeks to create enabling environments that support survivors, hold perpetrators accountable, and promote gender equality and human rights.