Addressing Violence against Women and Girls in Sexual and Reproductive Health Services

This knowledge asset focuses on the integration of resources to address gender-based violence against women and girls into the existing health care services. The review of the literature aims to provide guidance to health sector programme designers and managers in order to facilitate integration.

The first chapter provides basic definitions (with additional definitions in Appendix I), introduces the key principles of human rights-based programming, gender mainstreaming and culture, provides evidence that  for recommendations for integration of SRH and GBV programming,  and provides information on some of the most basic resources for the programme planner.

The second chapter focuses on addressing violence against women and girls through SRH policies and planning, with basic planning issues and tools, some guidance on capacity-building objectives for health providers, and a discussion of the role of SRH providers in primary prevention of GBV.

The third chapter provides design and implementation guidance with regard to screening for GBV, counseling, privacy and confidentiality procedures, and referrals and coordination with other sectors.

The fourth chapter discusses issues and guidance in specific service settings, including emergencies, HIV/AIDS services, and other SRH services.

The fifth chapter focuses on issues and guidance related to some of most vulnerable and hard-to-reach women and girls, including adolescents, women living with HIV, migrants, women with disabilities, sex workers, elderly women, and trafficked women and girls.