Introduction: Does the UN Model Still Work? Challenges and Prospects for the Future of Multilateralism

Fontaine-Skronski, Kim; Thool, Valériane; Eschborn, Norbert

doi:10.1163/9789004516489_002

Cited by 1 publication

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“…These programmes should be multipronged in nature and offered by multiple stakeholders, to ensure comprehensive coverage of the many issues that contribute to sexual violence against the vulnerable population in the society. As suggested by Isike et al, 21 the concept of re-socialising boys and men for positive gender relations could be a pragmatic solution to this public health crisis in the country. In addition, Chauke et al 7 pointed out that youth workers should be equipped with relevant skills to empower women so that they can help prevent violent acts in their surroundings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Healthcare workers’ perceptions of sexual violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Eastern Cape

Kwinana,

Masilela,

Adeniyi

2023

African Journal of Primary Health Care & Family Medicine

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Furthermore, in 2019, prior to the pandemic, an estimated 243 million women and girls aged 15-49 years experienced sexual violence by an intimate partner. 5 During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the problem of sexual violence against women intensified. 6 Reports from frontline workers indicated that after the COVID-19 pandemic, women and girls experienced a surge in all types of violence. 7,8 Van der Wath et al. 9 stated that there are many types of sexual violence; the term encompasses both intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-IPV, with both forms causing physical, emotional and mental harm. Background:The South African government implemented lockdown restrictions in order to prevent the spread of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2).Aim: This study explored the effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on sexual violence in the Eastern Cape province through the lens of healthcare workers' (HCWs) experiences.Setting: A Thuthuzela care centre in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.Methods: This qualitative study brings together the findings from thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews conducted among 11 purposively selected HCWs in May 2022.Results: Overall, three themes emerged from the study: the effects of COVID-19 on sexual violence, profile of the survivors and recommendations for combating sexual violence in the region. Most respondents believed that the COVID-19 pandemic caused a surge in the incidence of sexual violence, although all acknowledged that movement restrictions affected reporting. The participants treated mostly black women and children's survivors, who experienced physical injuries simultaneously. The respondents' narratives revealed that educational campaigns targeting boys and men could reduce sexual violence in the region. In addition, it was recommended that stricter laws and harsher penalties would serve as deterrents for perpetrators of sexual violence in the country. Conclusion:The COVID-19 lockdown restrictions exposed the vulnerabilities of black women and children to sexual violence in the study setting. Educational programmes aimed at reorientating boys and men in both rural and urban communities should be implemented. Contributions:This study provides an insight into the perceived effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual violence in the Amathole district and South Africa.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%