Barriers and Opportunities in Delivering Healthcare Services for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence: Experience From a Safe Women's Unit in Upper Egypt

Gender-based violence (GBV) constitutes a major public health and human rights issue worldwide, defined as physical, psychological, sexual, or economic acts that cause harm based on gender. GBV disproportionately affects women. An estimated 35% of women globally have experienced domestic or sexual abuse in their lifetime, with female survivors experiencing higher rates of injury and long-term physical and mental health sequelae compared to men. Healthcare providers are uniquely positioned to identify, manage, and refer affected women, as many survivors seek care within hospital settings.

The OB-GYN department serves as a critical entry point for survivors seeking reproductive health services, antenatal care, and emergency obstetric interventions, often representing the first opportunity for intervention. Violence during pregnancy is associated with adverse maternal and fetal outcomes, underscoring the need for survivor-centered services in Egypt. Since 2019, UNFPA, the National Council for Women, and the Egyptian Ministry of Health and Population have established 33 Safe Women Clinics across Egypt, providing multidisciplinary care, though barriers such as limited training, resources, stigma, and inadequate coordination persist. The 2022 launch of the Arabic Protocol on Healthcare for Women Subjected to Gender-Based Violence strengthened provider response by establishing standardized guidance on clinical management, screening, and referral.

Given that survivors utilize health services more frequently than any other form of assistance, health professionals are uniquely positioned to recognize and respond to abuse; however, they often inadequately address such cases. This study presents data and professional recommendations on identifying and managing GBV in clinical settings, with attention to the needs of Indigenous women exposed to violence or abuse.