SSLN & SYCONA | Evidence-Based Approaches to Address Sexual Violence & Enhance HIV Prevention

Introduction

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a pervasive issue globally, with East and Southern Africa experiencing high rates. Various forms of violence, including physical, sexual,and psychological violence, along with practices like child marriage and female genital mutilation, violate human rights and hinder development.

UN Women prioritise addressing GBV in this region, acknowledging the disproportionate impact on women and girls due to social norms, gender stereotypes, and power imbalances. They advocate for legal frameworks, policy reforms, and support services for survivors.

Objectives

To discuss and share best practices for interventions aimed at preventing and responding to sexual violence
To showcase models for integrated support and care in addressing sexual violence

Proceedings

The webinar session was chaired by Madonna Emmanuel from SSLN and SYCONA, with opening remarks provided by Dr Daniel Byamukama from the Uganda AIDS Commission, Head of the HIV Prevention Department. Dr. Daniel Byamukama emphasized the impact of sexual violence on HIV prevention and sought support from SSLN in addressing Sexual Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in Uganda. Highlighting the prevalence of violence and challenges in violence experiencedmplementing interventions, he discussed the need to address the unique barriers to accessing post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) services, particularly for young girls.

A session on best practices and interventions to prevent and respond to violence was conducted by the Population Council, featuring colleagues Julie, Karen, and Sanyukta. They highlighted the higher prevalence of partner violence by women and girls in low and middle-income countries, specifically focusing on the East and Southern Africa region. The session further discussed the definition of sexual violence and introduced various approaches to prevention. Primary prevention aims to prevent the occurrence of sexual violence, while secondary prevention focuses on immediate response after an incident has occurred. Tertiary prevention response focuses on long-term rehabilitation and support for survivors.

The webinar also included a spotlight on innovations, featuring a virtual tour of the Thuthuzela Care Centre, which serves as a model for integrated support and care. Goretty Nakbugo from the Infectious Disease Institute in Uganda shared experiences of leveraging the DREAMS platform to address sexual violence, providing valuable insights into Uganda's unique context.

Throughout the session, the urgent need to address violence against women and girls as a key challenge in Uganda and its impact on ending HIV infections was underscored. The webinar provided the participants with a platform for knowledge-sharing and discussion of evidence-based approaches to tackling sexual violence and enhancing HIV prevention and support.