Abstract:
Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious health and
social problem in South Asian countries, including Sri
Lanka. This study describes the socio-demographic
characteristics of clients and their alleged perpetrators,
types of violence and outcomes reported, and the
services provided by the GBV Help Desk at Teaching
Hospital - Jaffna.
Data were collected retrospectively from records of all
883 clients who sought help and who were referred to
the GBV Help Desk of Teaching Hospital - Jaffna during
a 2-year period (January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020)
using a data extraction sheet.
The clients of the GBV Help Desk were mostly female
(91.3%; n=806). Physical, economic, emotional and
sexual violence were experienced by 68.5%, 48.2%,
40% and 29.4% of clients, respectively. In 87.9%
(n=776) of cases the husband, lover or partner was
the alleged perpetrator. Around two thirds of alleged
perpetrators (65%, n=518) had a history of alcohol
use. Physical violence was more likely among legally
married women (84.3%) compared to legally unmarried
women (35.4%) (p<0.001) whereas sexual violence
was more likely in legally unmarried women (70.5%)
compared to legally married women (10.3%) (p<0.001).
Suicidal inclinations were reported by 7.3% (n=64).
All clients were befriended; further counselling was
arranged for 27.8% (n=245).
In conclusion the GBV Help Desk mainly provides
services to women following intimate partner violence.
