Improving Access and Strengthening Support for Gender-Based Violence Survivors

By António Massipa, Communications and Advocacy Coordinator

Essential services aiming to safeguard and support survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are now streamlined following the recent inauguration of the Integrated Support Centre (CAI), in Murrupula district, northern Mozambique.

“In the past, when a girl was abused, she had to go to the hospital, then to the police and other places, I mean, survivors had to go to many different places, all of which were difficult. Some ended up giving up halfway through the process. Now all services are in one space,” said Merina, an adolescent highlighting the previous fragmented system.

This initiative marks a significant step forward and is a collaborative effort between the Government of Mozambique, World Vision, ActionAid, and HOPEM, funded by Global Affairs Canada and implemented under the ‘Every Girl Can’ (EGC) project. 

CAI consolidates essential support in a single location, offering health, legal, and social assistance, alongside referrals to the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC). José Macaringue, EGC project manager, underscored the previous disjointed approach: “Assistance to sexual and gender-based violence survivors was scattered. Often, the gateway for survivors was the counselling office and the police. Depending on the severity and consequences of the violence, they were referred to other services, including the public prosecutor’s office,” he said, adding that the health sector’s involvement provides crucial medical aid. He stressed the collective responsibility in preventing and combating GBV, expressing his hope for a future free from such violence.

In turn, Regina Paulino, district administrator, acknowledged ongoing efforts. "We're sensitising parents, caregivers and community leaders, and working together to ensure cases are duly reported and brought to justice, just like the four cases of sexual violence were brought to our knowledge last year," she said and also indicated a recent arrest of a community leader for sexually abusing a 13-year-old girl, with legal proceedings underway. 

CAI provides a secure and confidential initial point of contact for integrated care and support to all survivors who experienced violence.

The initiative and partnership were formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding between the government and World Vision, outlining the cooperative nature on which CAI will operate and ensure sustainability across three EGC project districts in Nampula province.