GENDER BASED VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE THE BELIZE EXPERIENCE THE HEALTH SECTOR RESPONSE Presented by Ms. Marlene Francis Epidemiologist CAREC, Trinidad September 07, 2006

BACKGROUND MOH, Belize, recognizes gender based violence as an important public health issue, which is PREVENTABLE Health sector is an important entry point for women and others affected by gender based violence The framework to address gender based violence is built on the conceptualization of health as a social product linked to the life conditions of men and women

BACKGROUND PAHO developed and supported with the social sector the “Critical Path” a study that shows the path women follow when affected by family violence” in 16 communities of 10 countriesPAHO developed and supported with the social sector the “Critical Path” a study that shows the path women follow when affected by family violence” in 16 communities of 10 countries Based on this study, PAHO promoted and supported a regional Family Violence Project – “Integrated Model of Care for Family Violence: State and Civil Society Response” in Central America” The model is based on the axes of detection, attention, prevention and promotion and draws on the commitment of many sector This multi-sectoral response was originally spearheaded by the MOH

BACKGROUND Domestic Violence is included in the Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy Development of a National Action Plan for the Attention of Family Violence is now Gender Based Violence and included in the SRH Plan Training: Sensitization for all sectors in Domestic Violence Counseling

BACKGROUND In 2003 the national response was evaluated, and CDC participated in the evaluation of the surveillance system Since then the system has been improved to collect information on homicides, detailed information on child abuse and rape out side of the home which was not included at the inception of the system

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE MODULE The Gender Based Violence Surveillance is a component of the National Health Information System (NHIS) The system uses a computerized menu-driven application which registers, stores, processes and produces information on health at the national and local levels The NHIS is an integrated decentralized information system which operates as a network with external locations coordinated by a central unit Six District Health Information Units (DHIU) operates as local networks

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE MODULE It is a component of a public health system within the NHIS which registers, assists patient management Permanent record for alleged gender based violence cases including child abuse Used by multiple units in/outside MOH, as well as the social sector such as the Police, Women’s Department, Human Services and NGOs like Belize Family Life Association

GENDER BASED VIOLENCE SURVEILLANCE MODULE Participating sectors/units register data on standardized forms and send it to the MOH, District Health Information Unit District Health Information Unit compiles data and send information weekly via or CDs to the Central Unit in Belmopan DHIU also produces standardized reports at local levels

Gender Based Violence Surveillance Structure National Health Info. Unit (M.O.H.) Data Transfer District Info. Unit (M.O.H.) Registration Form M.O.H.M. H. D.Police Dept. U S E R S National Quarterly Reports District Monthly Reports

Source : Gender Based Violence Surveillance. MOH Belize Cases by Year and Sex Belize

Source : Gender Based Violence Surveillance. MOH Belize N= 3288 Cases by Type of Violence and Sex Belize

Women have less control than their male partners over the use of protection, distribution of resources and access to health services, it’s more dangerous for them to refuse unsafe sex Women are the majority of rape victims, a direct risk factor for HIV Girls and boys who are victims of physical and/or sexual abuse during childhood are more likely to exhibit high-risk sexual behaviour later in life, lowered self-esteem, and decreased ability to negotiate safer sex GENDER BASED VIOLENCE GBV increases women’s vulnerability to HIV by limiting their physical and mental freedom

“It is impossible to talk about HIV/AIDS without talking about domestic and sexual violence” (Peer Educators for Men, Men as Partners Program, South Africa)

Acknowledgement Dr. Paul Edwards National Epidemiologist & Ms. Sandra Jones Technical Advisor, HIV/AIDS Ministry of Health BELIZE