Over 35% of women globally will face sexual and/or intimate partner violence in their lifetime. In humanitarian crises, levels of these and other forms of violence based on gender inequality (GBV for gender-based violence) grows more acute. The presence of armed actors, displacement, broken social and protective networks and lack of services create an environment where women are at acute risk.

While data on the prevalence of GBV in humanitarian contexts is limited, recent research suggests that approximately one in five refugee or displaced women in complex humanitarian settings have experienced sexual violence. A recent study from South Sudan, revealed that up to 65% of women report having experienced intimate partner and sexual violence, a rate double the global average.

This violence has serious short- and long-term consequences on women’s physical, sexual and reproductive and mental health as well as on their personal and social well-being. The health consequences of violence against women include injuries, untimed/unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV, pelvic pain, urinary tract infections, fistula, genital injuries, pregnancy complications, and chronic conditions. Mental health impacts for survivors of gender-based violence include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance misuse, self-harm and suicidal behaviour, and sleep disturbances. In addition, a survivor of GBV may also face stigma and rejection from her community and family.

Health services, when accessed in time, can provide critical, time sensitive interventions for sexual assault/rape, such as emergency contraception to prevent pregnancy (within 120 hours) and Post –Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) medication to prevent HIV infection (within 72 hours of possible exposure), as well as presumptive treatment of STIs. Health services can also provide first-line support/psychological first aid for the survivor and referral to additional services. Even when accessed after 120 hours, health services can provide important care and referral services to survivors. Providing a listening ear, inquiring about their needs, validating what the survivor is saying, enhancing her safety and support are the components of first-line support that any health care provider should know how to do.

Given the importance of health services to survivor well-being, WHO is implementing a project to strengthen its work on GBV in emergencies. The project aims to improve the capacity of the health sector to deliver services to GBV survivors and to enhance prevention. The primary activities include strengthening the health cluster responses to GBV, updating technical and normative guidelines and tools, and enhancing WHO participation in interagency initiatives. The project currently is being implemented in six countries: Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Bangladesh (Cox’s Bazar), Nigeria, and DRC.

Activities are implemented in close collaboration with WHO’s project on Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) in emergencies as addressing gender-based violence is a core component of the Minimum Initial Services Package (MISP) and comprehensive SRH services. Through joint planning and trainings, the two projects ensure that SRH services are strengthened to be a critical entry point for GBV survivors.

Read more on the project sexual reproductive health and rights in emergencies

Read more on WHO's work on gender-based violence