Angola

Gender-based violence (GBV)—interpersonal violence resulting from normative gender roles and unequal power relationships between genders—is a pervasive problem worldwide. GBV is associated with significant health risks, including unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and HIV infection.

While the incidence of GBV in Angola is not known, anecdotal evidence indicates that it is common and is facilitated by a weak criminal and civil society response to survivors. Currently, when violence occurs, it is difficult for women to file a complaint or to access services; few forensic scientists and social workers trained in GBV exist in the country, and charges are often not taken seriously by the police. This makes it virtually impossible for survivors to build a credible case. Women, therefore, are often unprotected and trapped in abusive relationships with little support or recourse.

During FY 2010-2011, RESPOND conducted an assessment of the in-country capacity and structure for responding to GBV and provided recommendations on potential interventions for USAID to build capacity to address GBV in Angola. These recommendations include but are not limited to the following:

KEY RECOMMENDATIONS 

• Conduct a prevalence study on GBV and attitudes related to DV in selected municipalities, and a rapid assessment on the availability and quality of services to attend to survivors of GBV.
• Support the creation of a cadre of trainers on gender and GBV from different public-sector agencies and civil society.
• Build the capacity of health staff to respond to GBV and to follow protocols.
• Ensure the development and implementation of procedures for dealing with survivors of GBV.
• Support development of data collection systems for GBV at counseling centers and health clinics and centers.
• Support the creation of counseling centers and shelters, including the training of staff.
• Support programs that seek to transform social norms that support GBV and that seek to promote active bystanders.
• Build the capacity of civil society to work in GBV prevention and provide oversight of and advocacy for governmental response.

Based on those recommendations, RESPOND is implementing a pilot project to build capacity to respond to survivors of GBV in Luanda. This pilot project will use Men As Partners® (MAP) strategies to address gender norms that encourage violence. The initiation of this intervention is timely; RESPOND's GBV work in Angola will complement a law against GBV recently passed by the Angolan National Assembly.