Gender-Based Violence Risk Mitigation by Non-GBV Specialists Prior to and during COVID-19
A Global Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Humanitarian Practitioners
Abstract
Available evidence indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic and response measures may lead to increased risk of gender-based violence (GBV), including in humanitarian contexts. This study examined the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of humanitarian practitioners related to GBV risk mitigation approaches during COVID-19 in order to refine current guidance and inform future materials.
This paper shares the findings from a global, online cross-sectional survey of humanitarian practitioners, conducted between November 2020 and April 2021. Almost all (95%) of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that they have a role to play in GBV risk mitigation. Respondents reported several barriers to integrating GBV risk mitigation into their work during COVID-19, including insufficient funding, capacity, knowledge, and guidance. The authors conclude that efforts to mainstream GBV risk mitigation actions should continue and intensify, leveraging the lessons and experiences generated thus far.
This research was supported by the Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (R2HC) Programme
Citation
Sharma V, Gompers A, Kelly JTD, Patrick E, Heckman C, Solomon A, Scott J. Gender-Based Violence Risk Mitigation by Non-GBV Specialists Prior to and during COVID-19: A Global Survey of Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices of Humanitarian Practitioners. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2021; 18(24):13387. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph182413387