Frequency and physical factors associated with gender-based violence in the internally displaced people of Pakistan

ABSTRACT

Gender-based violence frequency and associated physical factors were determined in internally displaced people camp of Jalozai [Pakistan]. Majority of families reported that security conditions were lacking and washrooms were neither illuminated [68%, n=29] nor locked [82%, n=31]. Reported incidents of emotional violence were 56% [n=35], physical violence 42% [n=26] and sexual violence 18% [n=11]. Health facilities reported 12 cases of gender-based violence/ month. No health education on prevention of gender-based violence [93%, n=56] neither psychologist was provided by any health facility. There was no refugee committee [95%, n=59] for women protection and health education [93%, n=56] for prevention of gender-based violence was done. To safeguard women and children proper lightening of passage, lock facilities in washrooms and timely reporting of gender-based violence cases should be ensured. This can be established by creating women protection committees and by conducting health education programs for gender-based violence