Factors associated with experiencing sexual violence among female gender-based violence survivors in conflict-afflicted eastern Ukraine

Understanding Domestic Violence Among Older Women in Ukraine: A Secondary Analysis Using Gender-Based Violence Screening Data

This secondary descriptive analysis sought to understand Gender-Based Violence (GBV), with a focus on Domestic Violence (DV), among older women in Ukraine's conflict setting. Analysis was conducted on a subsample of 150 women aged 60+ from GBV-Information Management System intake data of 12,480 GBV survivors. Fisher's exact tests were used to compare differences in GBV incidents among women who experienced DV compared to other types of GBV. Using United Nations humanitarian and aging frameworks, qualitative analysis was completed following two rounds of coding. Sixty percent of women aged ≥60 experienced DV. Local women were more likely to experience DV versus displaced women (85.6% vs. 48.3%, p < .001). Six core themes emerged: experiencing versus witnessing violence, intergenerational conflict, livelihoods, alcohol, humiliation, and neglect. Deeper understanding of DV among older women in humanitarian settings is needed, strengthening a call to action to prioritize protection against, and prevention of, GBV more broadly among this marginalized group.

Leading patient-centric crisis preparedness in healthcare: Lessons from Ukraine

Challenges in the delivery of high-quality patient centric care in Canada is plagued by staff and medical supplies shortages and spiking burnout rates leading to closures of more than a thousand emergency rooms in 2023. A literature review was conducted to examine the crisis preparedness and responsiveness of healthcare establishments in Ukraine in a warfare context, with the intent of exacting recommendations to respond to shortages in Canadian hospitals. Utilizing queries on distinct databases, more than 17,500 entries were found, narrowed, and selected for review. Managerial implications for Canadian establishments include: (1) adapting a change management approach, (2) capitalizing on existing assets, resources, and networks, (3) recognizing cyclical patterns to prevent negative outcomes, (4) planning for and attending to the vulnerabilities of specific sub-population groups, (5) utilizing geolocated analytics, and (6) exploiting external expertise and volunteer network through tailored working conditions.

War-related sexual and gender-based violence in Tigray, Northern Ethiopia: a community-based study

INTRODUCTION

Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) during armed conflicts has serious ramifications with women and girls disproportionally affected. The impact of the conflict that erupted in November 2020 in Tigray on SGBV is not well documented. This study is aimed at assessing war-related SGBV in war-affected Tigray, Ethiopia.

METHODS

A community-based survey was conducted in 52 (out of 84) districts of Tigray, excluding its western zone and some districts bordering Eritrea due to security reasons. Using a two-stage multistage cluster sampling technique, a total of 5171 women of reproductive age (15-49 years) were randomly selected and included in the study. Analysis used weighted descriptive statistics, regression modelling and tests of associations.

RESULTS

Overall, 43.3% (2241/5171) of women experienced at least one type of gender-based violence. The incidents of sexual, physical and psychological violence, and rape among women of reproductive age were found to be 9.7% (500/5171), 28.6% (1480/5171), 40.4% (2090/5171) and 7.9% (411/5171), respectively. Of the sexual violence survivors, rape accounted for 82.2% (411/500) cases, of which 68.4% (247) reported being gang raped. Young women (aged 15-24 years) were the most affected by sexual violence, 29.2% (146/500). Commonly reported SGBV-related issues were physical trauma, 23.8% (533/2241), sexually transmitted infections, 16.5% (68/411), HIV infection, 2.7% (11/411), unwanted pregnancy, 9.5% (39/411) and depression 19.2% (431/2241). Most survivors (89.7%) did not receive any postviolence medical or psychological support.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic war-related SGBV was prevalent in Tigray, with gang-rape as the most common form of sexual violence. Immediate medical and psychological care, and long-term rehabilitation and community support for survivors are urgently needed and recommended.

Gender-based violence and its associated factors among internally displaced women in Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a common human right violence in conflict-affected communities. Women with GBV are prone to experience mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and anxiety. However, there is a paucity of evidence as to what extent the problem is affecting internally displaced women (IDW) in Ethiopia. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of GBV and its associated factors among IDW in Northwest Ethiopia.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among IDW residing at three humanitarian sites from May to June 2022 in Northwest Ethiopia. Study participants were selected using a stratified simple random sampling technique from the three sites. GBV was assessed using a 6-item Assessment Screen to Identify Survivors Toolkit questionnaire for Gender-based violence (ASIST-GBV). Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression. All variables with a p-value of ≤ 0.05 in the multivariable analysis were defined to have a statistically significant association with GBV at a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

Of 424 approached candidates, 412 (97.2%) of them participated in the study. A one-year prevalence of GBV was 37.9% (95%CI = 33.2-42.6) among IDW in Northwest Ethiopia. The mean age of the participants was 31.3 (± 7.6) years. Young women, 18-24 years old (AOR = 3.52, 95%CI = 2.15-5.34, p ≤ 0.001) and 25-29 years old (AOR = 2.41, 95%CI = 1.57-3.24, p ≤ 0.001) had a statistically significant association with GBV. Moreover, having no social protection (AOR = 3.18, 95%CI = 2.65-6.22, p ≤ 0.001), being current alcohol user (AOR = 2.54, 95%CI = 1.22-4.78, p ≤ 0.001) and being single in marital status (AOR = 1.69, 95%CI = 1.18-2.87, p < 0.01) showed a statistical association with GBV.

CONCLUSION

We found a high prevalence of GBV among IDW in Northwest Ethiopia which indicates that IDW are prone to GBV. We call for immediate action and special attention to young women in conflict-affected parts of Ethiopia. It is crucial to establish a system that ensures the safety, security, and well-being of women in humanitarian settings.