ReliefWeb

Executive Summary

“As I know, rape survivors don't seek help as they feel unacceptable in the community” IDP woman, Belet Hawa district in an individual interview

The rapid assessment findings majorly point to heightened gender based violence (GBV) risks for displaced women and girls in Belet Hawa district who are currently living in makeshift shelters and have no adequate food, water and sanitation services. The major GBV risk cited by respondents is the threat of sexual violence. Health services for GBV services is only available in Belet Hawa town which is distant from the IDP locations where the recently displaced population live. Major gaps in GBV services includes lack of safety and security services; safety facilities are cited as being unavailable.

Recommendations from this assessment includes; humanitarian actors responding to basic needs in a way that reduces risks that predispose women and girls to GBV. Priority needs are safe shelters, water and sanitation facilities that are proximal, gender segregated and designed to reduce risks of violence for women and girls. Access to health GBV responses need to be improved through increased community awareness of existing services and referral transportation provision. Provisions of items to enhance safety such as portable solar lamps will reduce risks of violence against women and girls.