Attachments
TRENDS IN GBV SERVICE PROVISION IN THE CONTEXT OF COVID-19
Upon introduction of quarantine in mid-March 2020, UNFPA-supported GBV service providers observed a significant surge in the number of requests for assistance. Swift adjustment and expansion of service provision modalities enabled services’ prompt response to the growing demand from GBV survivors and people at risk. Over three months since the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, services register dynamics that are specific to their operating environment. Shelters, given fixed availability of spaces, could not extend admission of new clients beyond their capacity and register a decrease in the number of consultations, in particular in 2nd month after quarantine introduction. At the same time, the hotline (La Strada-operated) addressed the highest number of calls due to mounting tensions in the household in the second month of strict quarantine and restricted movement. Fast to pilot alternative avenues for service provision, MTs on outreach support to families of ATO veterans responded to the surge in requests soon after the start of the COVID-19 outbreak. Easing of quarantine regime in 3rd month partially restored access to other services, including in-person consultations at daycare centres. Thus, oering complex information, psychosocial and legal counselling, daycare centres witness steady growth in the number of GBV survivors seeking assistance.