By Dr. Mukete Tahle Itoe,PhD | Project Team Lead & Supervisor
Introduction
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) remains a pervasive challenge in Cameroon, with significant physical, psychological, and social consequences for victims, primarily women and girls. The Refugee Welfare Association Cameroon (REWAC), recognizing the urgent need for a coordinated and compassionate response, initiated the Healthcare Heroes Responding to GBV Victims project in Bamenda as part of the GBV Resilience Building Project for GBV Survivors ,with the aim to empower healthcare professionals to provide effective, survivor-centered care to GBV victims. .
Background and Context
Bamenda, in the Northwest region of Cameroon, has faced socio-political instability and conflict that exacerbate vulnerabilities to GBV. Women and girls often suffer sexual violence, domestic abuse, and other forms of GBV but face barriers accessing adequate healthcare and psychosocial support. Healthcare workers, being first responders in many GBV cases, are critical to the provision of timely medical care and referral services. However, many lack specialized training in GBV response and trauma-informed care.
REWAC, a local NGO with extensive experience in refugee welfare and human rights advocacy, designed this project to strengthen the capacity of healthcare workers in Bamenda to respond to GBV effectively. by conducting training workshops, the development of resources, and establishing referral networks.
The project aimed to:
Enhance the skills and knowledge of healthcare workers on GBV identification, medical treatment, and psychological support.
Improve the quality of healthcare services provided to GBV survivors in Bamenda.
Establish multi-sectoral referral systems linking healthcare facilities with legal, psychosocial, and protection services.
Raise awareness in communities on the importance of timely healthcare seeking after GBV incidents.
Advocate for survivor-friendly policies within healthcare institutions.
Activities Undertaken1. Training Workshops for Healthcare Workers
REWAC organized multiple training sessions targeting doctors, nurses, midwives, and community health workers from public hospitals and clinics in Bamenda. The curriculum focused on:
Understanding the types and impacts of GBV.
Medical protocols for treating survivors, including forensic evidence collection.
Psychological first aid and trauma-informed care.
Confidentiality and ethical considerations.
Referral pathways to legal aid, counseling, and shelter services.
Approximately 120 healthcare professionals participated in these workshops, enhancing their competence to deliver compassionate and comprehensive care.
2. Development and Distribution of GBV Response Guidelines
REWAC, in collaboration with local health authorities, developed easy-to-use GBV response guidelines tailored to the Bamenda context. These guidelines were distributed to health centers and hospitals to ensure standardized procedures when handling GBV cases.
3. Establishment of Referral Networks
A key component of the project was linking healthcare providers with civil society organizations, legal aid clinics, counseling centers, and protection agencies. REWAC facilitated meetings and created a referral directory, allowing seamless case management and holistic survivor support.
4. Community Awareness Campaigns
The project included community outreach through radio programs, posters, and workshops to sensitize the population about GBV, available healthcare services, and the importance of prompt medical attention.
5. Advocacy and Policy Engagement
REWAC engaged with hospital administrators and regional health officials to promote the integration of GBV response protocols into healthcare policies and improve resource allocation for survivor care.
Impact and OutcomesImproved Capacity of Healthcare Providers
Post-training assessments showed a significant increase in healthcare workers’ knowledge and confidence in managing GBV cases. Many reported better understanding of survivor needs and more empathetic attitudes, which are critical for encouraging victims to seek care.
Enhanced Survivor Care
Healthcare facilities reported improved services, including more timely clinical examinations, better documentation of injuries, and increased referrals to psychosocial and legal support. Survivors received more holistic care, addressing both physical injuries and emotional trauma.
Strengthened Referral Systems
The newly established referral networks facilitated quicker access to complementary services such as counseling, shelter, and legal aid, reducing the risk of secondary victimization and improving protection outcomes.
Raised Community Awareness
Awareness campaigns helped demystify GBV and healthcare responses, contributing to increased reporting and early presentation of victims to health facilities. Community members expressed greater willingness to support survivors.
Policy Influence
Some healthcare institutions began adopting GBV guidelines and including survivor care training in routine professional development programs. REWAC’s advocacy efforts fostered greater institutional commitment to survivor-centered healthcare.
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