Prevention of, and response to, sexual and gender-based violence, for refugees who experience communication disability: Evidence from Rwanda

Risk of exposure to sexual and gender based violence increases during forced migration. Refugee girls and women with communication impairments are at particular risk, with under-identification and lack of appropriate services contributing to increased risk of abuse and limited access to support/redress. This paper describes an innovation project in Rwanda, involving the refugee community and service providers. The projects aimed to: a) Document sexual and gender based violence prevention and sexual and reproductive health education services, b) identify inclusive practice and challenges, c) understand refugees’ perspectives on access to information and services, and d) recommend changes. The project was framed using the Humanitarian Innovation Guide and drew on action research. Individual interviews (21), focus group (81 participants) and workshops (38 participants) were carried out. Content and framework analysis were used and a Humanitarian Innovation Guide ‘Problem Statement’ and ‘Challenge Brief’ were developed. Interviews and focus group data generated seven categories and themes, including services, risks, experiences, and needs. Workshops validated findings and participants identified next steps and solutions. Refugees experiencing communication disability face challenges related to sexual and gender based violence prevention and sexual and reproductive health education. Service providers face challenges meeting refugees’ needs, but can identify ideas for improved inclusion.