Prevalence of Gender-based Violence and Factors Affecting Help Seeking Among Females Aged 15 Years and Above in Ayilo Refugee Camp in Adjumani District, Uganda.

BackgroundGender-based violence is one of the most pervasive and hideous form of human rights violations that demeans the very meaning of existence of various groups based on their different gender and roles. It is worsened in emergency situations where social support structures have broken down. It is estimated that the protracted South Sudan crisis has caused devastation with over 5 million people in dire need of humanitarian aid including 1.2 million women and girls of reproductive age. Despite the available policies and well-established care pathways, there is a notably vivid trend of underutilization and under reporting of cases. This study was therefore to find out the exact prevalence of GBV and the factors affecting help seeking among women aged 15 years and above in Ayilo refugee camp. MethodsA cross-sectional study was done using both Key informant interviews and semi-structured questionnaires administered to participants. Data was analyzed using Microsoft Excel, descriptive statistics were presented in tables, charts, and narratives. Secondary reentry was done using kobo collect and exported to STATA for statistical analysis at bivariate and multivariate levels. ResultsThe prevalence of GBV was at 54% with a likelihood that it is even higher because of under reporting. Emotional and physical violence was the most prevalent form of violence. Only about half of the survivors sought redress, and mainly from the family and social networks compared with other sectors in the victim care pathway. Factors affecting help seeking included stigma and fear of being exposed, suppression by culture and cultural practices especially bride price, lack of confidentiality from the people in the care pathway, consequences of reporting and influence of local leaders on most cases. ConclusionThe prevalence of violence is higher than reported. Help seeking was low due to survivor related factors, and socio-cultural influences despite existing victim care pathway. There is need to advocate for attitude and behavior change, improving services rendered and addressing socio-economic challenges faced by those at risk.