United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees

In 2010, UNHCR and partners referred 83% of those who reported sexual and gender-based violence cases in camps for assistance. In urban settings, this was the case for 97% of reported cases. UNHCR operations put in place a number of innovative approaches to preventing sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and providing comprehensive support for survivors. For example, in Burundi, it was agreed to use the hospital as a safe haven for SGBV survivors, avoiding the stigmatization that often results from having a specific shelter. In Yemen, safe accommodation is rented rather than having a specific safe house, in order not to isolate an SGBV survivor from the community. In Ecuador, UNHCR set up livelihoods programmes for SGBV survivors, including access to micro-credit. Survivors are also given access to legal assistance. Hide