A new website developed jointly by the United Nations Population Fund and Women against Violence Europe Network provides resources for health professionals working in the region to develop an integrated health system response to gender-based violence. The site offers an in-depth overview of the issue, a training program, and a guide for creating referral pathways to other services to help victims begin the process of escaping the violent situation.
Gender-based violence is one of the most common forms of human rights violations in the world, and a coordinated response from advocates and health care professionals promises to be an effective way to address the needs of millions of women and girls. The site explains, “A woman’s visit to a health service provider might be her only chance to receive support and care and escape a situation of abuse. Most women, even in marginalized and remote areas, are likely to seek family planning or prenatal care services at least once in their lifetime, making health services, and particularly reproductive health services a critical entry point for violence-related information and services.”