Community Perceptions on the Services Offered to Gender-Based Violence Survivors in Safe Shelter of

Gender-based violence (GBV) has been a hot topic in the development area, as it is a reality in life that occurs in all cultures, regardless of race, class, culture, or socioeconomic standing. Safe shelters are established as free services for desperate GBV survivors, and their use must be investigated from the perspective of the recipients.

Methods: A qualitative research design was adopted using semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions (FDGs) and carried out on Gender Forum Members, GBV survivors, GBV key informants and stakeholders on their perceptions on the protective measures associated with GBV victims safe shelters. A total of 42 participants were recruited. Fourteen females and twelve males were involved FDGs (n = 26), six females GBV (n = 6) survivors and ten Gender Forum Members (n = 10) participated in in depth interviews.

Results: All participants were willing to give their perceptions on the subject under study.Perceptions were that women in GBV were empowered at the safe shelters where protection, counselling and sociopsychological support was given. Women were reintegrated with their families when ready to do so. Stakeholders were appreciative of the services offered to those who fell victim to GBV as shown by FDGs, in-depth interviews and document reviews.This acceptability was taken despite cultural and religious factors that are still hindering the uptake of safe shelter services being rendered.

Conclusion: It is critical to take an integrated and holistic approach to GBV concerns in order to effectively manage GBV survivors. The shelters provided much-needed relief from the effects of GBV. The church, traditional structures, membership in the Gender Forum, and the Ministry of Women Affairs, Gender, and Community Development (MWAGCD) should all work together. In order to respond to cases of GBV, a dedicated transport mechanism is required. Safe shelters, on the other hand, appear to be unable to accommodate male adult GBV victims.

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