Gender-based violence and harassment at work and health and occupational outcomes. A systematic review of prospective studies.

BACKGROUND: Many people experience forms of gender-based violence and harassment (GBVH) in the context of their work. This includes a wide range of experiences, from subtle expressions of hostility to physical assault, that can also be of a sexual nature (e.g., sexual harassment or assault). This systematic review aimed to summarize findings about the prospective associations of work-related GBVH with people's health and occupational situation. METHODS: We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE and PsycINFO were searched for prospective studies in English from 1990 to May 24, 2023. Studies were included if they concerned a working population, exposure to any form of GBVH in the work context, and a health outcome or manifest occupational outcome. Quality was assessed with a modified version of the Cochrane 'Tool to Assess Risk of Bias in Cohort Studies', and studies assessed as low quality were excluded from the narrative synthesis. For the narrative synthesis, we grouped the results by similar exposures and outcomes and reported the strength and statistical significance of the associations. RESULTS: Of the 1 937 screened records, 29 studies were included in the narrative synthesis. Studies were mainly conducted in the USA and northern Europe and investigated exposure to sexual violence or harassment (SVH). Only two included studies investigated non-sexual kinds of GBVH. Consistently, studies showed associations of work-related SVH with poor mental health and there were indications of an association with hazardous substance use. There was no consistent evidence for an association of SVH with subsequent sickness absence, and there were too few studies concerning physical health and occupational outcomes to synthesize the results. CONCLUSIONS: There is consistent evidence of work-related SVH as a risk factor for subsequent poor mental health. There is no indication that the health consequences of SVH differ between women and men, although women are more often affected. There is a need for conceptual consistency, the consideration of non-sexual behaviors and prospective studies that test clear hypotheses about the temporal sequence of events.

'Important, but difficult': Swedish primary care professionals' perceptions and experiences of dealing with violence against women: an interview study.

BACKGROUND: Men's violence against women is a global health problem causing physical, mental, sexual and reproductive ill-health. The World Health Organisation has estimated that every third woman in the world has been exposed to physical and/or sexual violence. Swedish primary care is central for victims of violence, as it is normally the first port of call for seeking healthcare. This requires professional competence on violence, and its causes. It also requires resources for working with violence prevention, disclosure and supportive actions. The aim of this study is to deepen the understanding of how primary care professionals in Sweden deal with violence against women. We analyse their viewpoints, experiences and practices of working with violence as a health problem, and especially if, and if so how, they ask patients about violence. METHODS: A qualitative, explorative research design was adopted. Research interviews were conducted with 18 health professionals at eight primary care clinics. These clinics were located in four different regions, from the south to the north, in large urban areas, middle-size cities and rural areas. The interviews were voice recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the interviews. RESULTS: Three themes, with a total of ten related sub-themes, were developed. These themes are: (a) Varying understandings and explanations of violence against women; (b) The tricky question of asking about violence; and (c) Multiple suggestions for improving primary care's work with violence against women. The awareness of violence varied considerably, with some practitioners being highly knowledgeable and having integrated violence into their everyday practice, whereas others were less knowledgeable and had not paid much attention to violence. The very naming of violence seemed to be problematic. Several suggestions for improvements at professional, managerial and organisational levels were articulated. CONCLUSIONS: The results shed important light on the professionals' problems and struggles when dealing with violence against women in primary care. Better support and resources from the healthcare organisation, clearer leadership and more detailed policy would improve and facilitate everyday practice. All of these factors are indispensable for primary care's work with victims of men's violence against women.

The Labor Market Integration of Women Having Suffered Gender Violence: Some Critical Questions.

The integration of women victims of gender-based violence (WVGBV) in the labor market is key to women's autonomy and empowerment. After pursuing some personal stability in different domains (emotional, physical, relational, etc.), these women require a further step toward recovery, which is often related to financial independence and, therefore, to their integration in the labor market. In this article, we describe the results of a study that focused on the actions aimed at integrating WVGBV into the labor market in the region of Andalusia (Spain). Based on a qualitative methodology, we collected the narratives and perspectives of the different actors involved in these processes (public administrations, nongovernmental organizations, the business world, and the WVGBV). The results revealed a series of deficiencies in social intervention methodologies that can sometimes lead to greater social exclusion. In conclusion, we believe that more participatory methodologies in their design, incorporating the views of woman themselves, are necessary.

Interpersonal violence against transgender and cisgender women in Brazilian municipalities: trends and characteristics. / Violência interpessoal em mulheres transgêneras e cisgêneras nos municípios brasileiros: tendências e características.

Violence against women is characterised by male symbolic domination underpinned by patriarchy and expressing gender inequality in society. This study examined reporting of interpersonal violence against cisgender and transgender women 20 to 59 years old in Brazilian municipalities, from 2015 to 2021. This repeat panel study used data from the information system, and time-trend analysis by the Prais-Winsten method. A total of 605,983 notifications were eligible, 1.8% of which involved transgender women. Notifications regarding cisgender women were recorded in 84.8% of the municipalities and transgender women, in 31.7%. Notifications involved predominantly women who were younger (71.9%) and black (55.3%), and proportionally more transgender women (p<0.001). Most notifications were of physical violence (84.8%), followed by psychological violence (40.1%), which was higher among cisgender women (p<0.001) and at shorter intervals among transgender women (ß=-0.71; p=0.005). Notifications of violence still do not reflect the realities, particularly as regards transgender women. Psychological violence, however, which usually starts the cycle of aggression, now ranks second among notifications in Brazil, despite conservative reverses of recent years.

A violência contra mulher caracteriza-se pela dominação simbólica masculina com pilares no patriarcado, expressando a desigualdade de gênero existente na sociedade. O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a notificação de violência interpessoal em mulheres cisgêneras e transgêneras, de 20 a 59 anos, nos municípios brasileiros, no período de 2015 a 2021. Trata-se de estudo do tipo painéis repetidos, utilizando dados do sistema de informação, e análise de tendência temporal pelo método Prais-Winsten. Foram elegíveis 605.983 notificações, sendo 1,8% de transgêneras. As notificações foram registradas em 84,8% dos municípios para mulheres cisgêneras e 31,7% para transgêneras. Houve predomínio em jovens (71,9%) e negras (55,3%), sendo proporcionalmente maior entre as transgêneras (p<0,001). A maioria das notificações foi de violência física (84,8%); seguida de violência psicológica (40,1%), sendo maior nas cisgêneras (p<0,001) e com redução no período para as transgêneras (ß=-0,71; p=0,005). A notificação de violência ainda não reflete a realidade, em particular para mulheres transgêneras. A violência psicológica, entretanto, que costuma ser o início do ciclo de agressão, já ocupa o segundo lugar entre as notificações no país, apesar dos retrocessos vivenciados nos últimos anos.

"I suffered in silence and certainly all women are like that" - Silenced: reproduction of, and breaking with, violence against women living in rural areas. / "Eu sofria calada e certamente toda mulher é assim" - Silenciamentos: reproduções e rupturas da violência contra as mulheres que vivem em contextos rurais.

By way of life stories drawn from 20 interviews of women in two municipalities of Rio Grande do Sul, this qualitative study examined how violence against women living in rural areas is silenced and the challenges involved in breaking that silence. Narrative Analysis arrived at two categories: "I suffered in silence and certainly all women are like that" (Violence silenced) and "We take care of her" (Breaking the silence). The first relates to the oppression of imposed silence and how women were affected by violence and isolation. The second shows the challenges facing women who break the silence and leave abusive relationships and how, through their narratives, to access the stories of other women who suffer violence. The narratives stress that the imposition of silence, which arose from gender roles and constraints on freedom, contributed to their continuing in the abusive relationship. The violence was sustained by the rural setting, where women were even more isolated, alone and unsupported, which heightened their fears, guilt, shame and financial dependence. An inter-sector approach, with more information and care for rural women, is fundamental to addressing this problem.

Este estudo se dedica, através de histórias de vida, a analisar a violência contra as mulheres que vivem em contextos rurais, seu silenciamento e os desafios de rompê-lo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa qualitativa a partir de 20 entrevistas com mulheres rurais em dois municípios do Rio Grande do Sul. Através da Análise de Narrativas chegamos a duas categorias: "Eu sofria calada e certamente toda mulher é assim" - A violência e o silenciamento; e "A gente cuida dela" - Rompendo o silêncio. A primeira, faz referência a opressão do silenciamento e como as mulheres foram afetadas através da violência e do isolamento. A segunda, apresenta os desafios enfrentados pelas mulheres ao romper o silenciamento e sair da relação abusiva, e como, através de suas narrativas, acessamos a histórias de outras mulheres que sofrem violência. As narrativas reforçam que o silenciamento, advindo dos papeis de gênero e do cerceamento de liberdade, contribuiu para a permanência na relação abusiva. A violência teve sustentáculo no contexto rural, no qual as mulheres ficavam ainda mais isoladas, sozinhas e sem apoio, acentuando seus medos, culpa, vergonha, dependência financeira. É fundamental haver um trabalho intersetorial para o enfrentamento a essa problemática com mais informação e assistência às mulheres rurais.

Can reproductive health services be used to screen for sexual and gender-based violence in post-conflict Northern Uganda? - a pilot study.

Background: Sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), including rape and child sexual abuse, remains a significant challenge in post-conflict northern Uganda. Many victims have never sought help. Consequently, the scale of the problem is not known, and SGBV victims' injuries, both psychological and physical, remain hidden and unresolved. Objectives: We aimed to explore whether health workers in rural Reproductive Health Services (RHS), following specific training, could provide a valuable resource for SGBV screening and subsequent referral to targeted services. Methods: Our project had three elements. First, RHS workers were trained to use a questionnaire to screen subjects for past SGBV Second, the screening questionnaire was used by RHS workers over a 3-month period, and the data collected were analysed to explore whether the screening approach was an effective one in this setting, and to record the scale and nature of the problem. Third, victims detected were offered referral as appropriate to hospital services or to a dedicated SGBV ActionAid shelter. Results: Of 1656 women screened, 778 (47%) had suffered SGBV: 123 rape, and 505 non-sexual violence. 1,254 (76%) had been directly or indirectly affected by conflict experiences; 1066 had lived in internally displaced persons camps. 145 (9%) requested referral to Gulu SGBV Shelter; 25 attended the shelter and received assistance, and 20 others received telephone counselling. Conclusion: Undetected SGBV remains a significant problem in post-conflict northern Uganda. RHS workers, following specific training, can effectively screen for and identify otherwise unrecognised survivors of SGBV. This matters because without ongoing detection, survivors have no opportunity for resolution, healing or help.

A scoping review on the nature and impact of gender based violence on women primary producers.

BACKGROUND: Women in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are primary producers of subsistence food and significant contributors to the agricultural economy. Gender Based Violence (GBV) adversely impacts their capacity to contribute and sustain their families and undermines social, economic, and human capital. Addressing GBV, therefore, is critical to creating safe and inclusive environments for women as primary producers to participate fully in rural communities. The aim of this scoping review is to explore the existing evidence on GBV in the context of women primary producers in LMICs to inform research gaps and priorities. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Web of Science, Ebscohost and Google Scholar using keywords related to GBV and women producers in LMICs. Peer-reviewed journal articles published between January 2012 and June 2022 were included in the review. Duplicates were removed, titles and abstracts were screened, and characteristics and main results of included studies were recorded in a data charting form. A total of 579 records were identified, of which 49 studies were eligible for inclusion in this study. RESULTS: Five major themes were identified from our analysis: (1) extent and nature of GBV, (2) the impact of GBV on agricultural/primary production livelihood activities, (3) sociocultural beliefs, practices, and attitudes, (4) aggravating or protective factors, and (5) GBV interventions. Addressing GBV in agriculture requires inclusive research approaches and targeted interventions to empower women producers, promote gender equality, enhance agricultural productivity, and contribute to broader societal development. Despite attempts by researchers to delve into this issue, the pervasive under-reporting of GBV remains a challenge. The true extent and nature of GBV perpetrated against women is far from fully understood in this context. CONCLUSION: Despite the significant challenges posed by GBV to the health, economy and livelihoods of women primary producers in LMICs, there is a paucity in the current state of knowledge. To make meaningful progress, more research is required to understand the relationship between GBV and agricultural settings, and to gain nuanced insight into the nature and impact of GBV on women primary producers in different regions and contexts.

Using Vignettes to Gain Insights Into Social Norms Related to Voluntary Family Planning and Gender-Based Violence in South Sudan.

Social norms are the shared expectations about behaviors that are held within collective groups. These differ from attitudes and beliefs, which are individually held. In South Sudan, social norms can affect the use of voluntary family planning and reproductive health (FP/RH); some of these norms even present risks for women seeking FP/RH care and their FP/RH providers. This cross-sectional, descriptive study conducted in 5 counties in South Sudan used vignettes as a qualitative method to explore social norms related to FP/RH and decisions related to contraceptive use and gender-based violence. Participants were asked to respond to vignettes about a fictional couple during various life stages of care-seeking. Vignettes allow respondents to share their opinions and feelings without directly speaking about their own experiences. Respondents included community members, FP/RH providers, and key influencers (e.g., religious leaders, traditional leaders, elders). The study identified restrictive social norms related to FP/RH, including entrenched, dominant gender roles (i.e., requiring male consent to use contraceptives) and risk for the woman and her provider if she accesses FP/RH services. Of note, supportive social norms are gaining acceptance regarding women's voice and agency; it was found that some women can negotiate their reproductive choice with their partners and participate in planning their families, which has not always been a widely accepted norm. The use of vignettes can lead to a better understanding of the challenges and provide insights on effective implementation approaches. It is essential for programs working to promote the use of FP/RH services in South Sudan to consider the challenges presented by social norms. Findings from this study were shared with stakeholders and communities to codesign interventions aimed at increasing the use of FP/RH services. Additionally, the dialogue stimulated by this study should lead to an organic transformation toward supportive social norms through collective agency.

[Applying consent, in healthcare and beyond]. / Appliquer le consentement, dans les soins et au-delà.

Sexual violence constitutes a form of gender-based violence, to the extent that the victims are mainly women. Other groups of vulnerable people are also more affected, in particular gender and sexual diversity persons. Sexual and gender-based violence can also occur in healthcare. To respect the legal framework and people's rights, but also to promote safety and quality in healthcare, it is essential to obtain and respect consent. Consent must be informed, explicit, freely given, and reiterated throughout the consultation. This article reviews the concept of consent and offers practical tools for its application in healthcare.

Les violences sexuelles constituent une violence de genre, dans la mesure où les victimes sont principalement des femmes et les auteurs des hommes. D'autres groupes de personnes vulnérables sont également davantage concernés, en particulier les personnes de la diversité sexuelle et de genre. Ces violences sexuelles et de genre existent également dans les soins. Afin de respecter le cadre légal et les droits des personnes, mais aussi de favoriser des soins de qualité et en sécurité, il est primordial de recueillir et respecter le consentement. Celui-ci doit être éclairé, explicite, libre et réitéré tout au long de la consultation. Cet article fait le point sur le concept du consentement et offre des outils pratiques pour son application dans les soins.

Co-creating a global shared research agenda on violence against women in low- and middle-income countries.

BACKGROUND: Despite a large growth in evidence on violence against women (VAW) over the last 25 years, VAW persists, as do gaps in the field's knowledge of how to prevent and respond to it. To ensure that research on VAW in low- and middle-income countries (LIMCs) is addressing the most significant gaps in knowledge, and to prioritise evidence needs to reduce VAW and better support victims/survivors, the Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) and Equality Institute (EQI) led a process of developing a global shared research agenda (GSRA) on VAW in LMICs. METHODS: The GSRA was developed through a six-stage adaptation of the Child Health and Nutrition Research Initiative (CHNRI) method, which draws on the principle of the 'wisdom of the crowd'. These steps included: a review of the literature on VAW in LMICs and development of domains; the generation of research questions within four domains by an Advisory Group; the consolidation of research questions; scoring of research questions by a Global Expert Group and the Advisory Group according to three criteria (applicability, effectiveness and equity); consultation and validation of the findings with the Advisory Group; and wide dissemination of the findings. RESULTS: The highest ranked research questions in the GSRA pertain to the domain of Intervention research, with some highly ranked questions also pertaining to the domain of Understanding VAW in its multiple forms. Questions under the other two domains, Improving existing interventions, and Methodological and measurement gaps, were not prioritised as highly by experts. There was strong consistency in top ranked research questions according to experts' characteristics, albeit with some important differences according to experts' gender, occupation and geographical location. CONCLUSIONS: The GSRA findings suggest that currently the VAW field is shifting towards intervention research after several decades of building evidence on understanding VAW, including prevalence, drivers and impacts of violence. The findings also suggest a strong emphasis on under-served populations, and under-researched forms of VAW. Future priority setting exercises in LMICs that seek to decolonise knowledge should ensure that methodologies, and modalities of engagement, put diverse voices at the centre of engagement. Trial registration Not applicable.

Joint response from Latin American, European Obstetric Violence Observatories and others organizations all over Europe to the Joint Position Statement on Substandard and Disrespectful Care in Labour - Because Words Matter.

The issue of obstetric violence is internationally acknowledged as a serious violation of human rights. First identified by the Committee of Experts of the Inter-American Belém do Pará Convention in 2012, it is recognized as a form of gender-based violence that infringes upon women's rights during childbirth. Nations such as Argentina, Mexico, Venezuela, and certain regions in Spain have implemented laws against it, highlighting its severity and the need for protective legislation. Major international organizations, including WHO and the Council of Europe, advocate for the elimination of disrespectful and abusive treatment in maternity care. In 2019, the UN Special Rapporteur on violence against women called on states to protect women's human rights in reproductive services by enforcing laws, prosecuting perpetrators, and providing compensation to victims. However, despite advances, there remains institutional and systemic resistance to recognizing obstetric violence, which undermines trust in healthcare and impacts women's quality of life. Addressing this violence is imperative, requiring education and training in women's human rights for all healthcare professionals. As part of the coalition of experts from various organizations (InterOVO), we respond to the publication by EAPM, EBCOG, and EMA: "Joint Position Statement: Substandard and Disrespectful Care in Labor - Because Words Matter." We are committed to preventing and mitigating obstetric violence and improving care for women and newborns.

Impacts of an abbreviated personal agency training with refugee women and their male partners on economic empowerment, gender-based violence, and mental health: a randomized controlled trial in Rwanda.

INTRODUCTION: We assessed the impact of a personal agency-based training for refugee women and their male partners on their economic and social empowerment, rates of intimate partner violence (IPV), and non-partner violence (NPV). METHODS: We conducted an individually randomized controlled trial with 1061 partnered women (aged 18-45) living in a refugee camp in Rwanda. Women received two days of training, and their partners received one day of training. The follow-up survey where all relevant outcomes were assessed was carried out at 6-9 months post-intervention. RESULTS: At follow up, women in the intervention arm were more likely to report partaking in income generating activities (aIRR 1.27 (1.04-1.54), p < 0.05) and skill learning (aIRR 1.59 (1.39-1.82), p < 0.001) and reported a reduction in experience of physical or sexual NPV in the past six months (aIRR 0.65 (0.39-1.07), p < 0.09). While improved, no statistically significant impacts were seen on physical or sexual IPV (aIRR 0.80 (0.58-1.09), p = 0.16), food insecurity (ß 0.98 (0.93 to 1.03), p = 0.396), or clean cookstove uptake (aIRR 0.95 (0.88 to 1.01), p = 0.113) in the past six months. We found statistically significant reduction in physical and sexual IPV amongst those experiencing IPV at baseline (aIRR 0.72 (0.50 to 1.02), p < 0.07). Small improvements in self-efficacy scores and our indicator of adapting to stress were seen in the intervention arm. Some challenges were also seen, such as higher prevalence of probable depression and/or anxiety (aIRR 1.79 (1.00-3.22), p = 0.05) and PTSD (aIRR 2.07 (1.10-3.91), p < 0.05) in the intervention arm compared to the control arm. CONCLUSION: Our findings echo previous research showing personal agency training can support economic well-being of women. We also find potentially promising impacts on gender-based violence. However, there is some evidence that integration of evidence-based mental health support is important when enhancing agency amongst conflict-affected populations. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: The trial was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, Identifier: NCT04081441 on 09/09/2019.

When sex is demanded as payment for health-care services.

Sexual corruption or sextortion has gained recent attention in the anti-corruption space. It occurs when a sexual favour is used as the currency for a bribe. Sexual corruption is a manifestation of gender-based violence, is inherently a human rights violation, and is a grave public health concern because of its effects on the physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing of the person who has experienced sexual corruption. It impacts health systems' abilities to achieve universal health coverage and deliver services in the most effective, high-quality manner. Despite the health consequences, limited evidence exists on sexual corruption occurring in the health sector. This Viewpoint briefly reviews the literature on sexual corruption occurring within health systems focusing mainly on low-income to middle-income countries, with a concentration on its prevalence, the driving forces associated with it, and recommendations to address it.

Analysis of the completeness and consistency of records of violence against indigenous women in the health macro-region of Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil, 2009-2020.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the temporal trend of completeness and consistency of data on notifications of violence against indigenous women in the health macro-region of Dourados, state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, between 2009 and 2020. METHODS: An ecological time series study was conducted using data from the Notifiable Health Conditions Information System; Prais-Winsten regression was used to analyze the trend of data completeness and consistency, as well as the proportion of completed and coherent fields. RESULTS: A total of 2,630 cases were reported; completeness was found to be very poor in the variable "occupation" (48.9%) and poor in the variables "schooling" (68.3%) and "time of occurrence" (67.9%); in the analysis of temporal trends, only the variable "occupation" showed a decreasing trend (p = 0.045). CONCLUSION: The data analyzed demonstrated the need for improvement in the completeness of the variables "schooling", "occupation" and "time of occurrence" of the violent act. MAIN RESULTS: There was a progressive increase in notifications over the years. Most of the variables showed regular or excellent completeness and consistency. In the analysis of temporal trend, only the "occupation" variable showed a decreasing trend. IMPLICATIONS FOR SERVICES: Care for victims of violence is part of the daily routine of health services, and it is essential for health professionals to provide adequate compulsory notification for a comprehensive understanding of the victims' profile, thus assisting in addressing this issue. PERSPECTIVES: Further studies are needed to understand the factors associated with violence against indigenous women, which could help the development of health promotion actions and violence prevention strategies targeting these women.

Digital abuse among dating partners: perspectives and experiences of adolescents from two Brazilian capitals.

The conceptions, values, and experiences of students from public and private high schools in two Brazilian state capitals, Vitória-ES and Campo Grande-MS, were analyzed regarding digital control and monitoring between intimate partners and the unauthorized exposure of intimate material on the Internet. Data from eight focus groups with 77 adolescents were submitted to thematic analysis, complemented by a questionnaire answered by a sample of 530 students. Most students affirmed that they do not tolerate the control/monitoring and unauthorized exposure of intimate materials but recognized that such activity is routine. They point out jealousy, insecurity, and "curiosity" as their main reasons. They detail the various dynamics of unauthorized exposure of intimate material and see it as a severe invasion of privacy and a breach of trust between partners. Their accounts suggest that such practices are gender violence. They also reveal that each platform has its cultural appropriation and that platforms used by the family, such as Facebook, cause more significant damage to the victim's reputation.

A qualitative investigation of gender-based violence prevention and response using digital technologies in low resource settings and refugee populations.

Background: Governmental and non-governmental organizations across medical, legal, and psychosocial sectors providing care to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) and their families rapidly digitalized services during the COVID-19 pandemic. GBV prevention/response services working with women and children who are forcibly displaced and/or living in low-and-middle income countries (LMIC) were no exception to the rapid digitalization trend. Literature is lacking a critical synthesis of best practices and lessons learned since digitalization replaced major operations involved in GBV prevention/response.Objective: This research qualitatively investigated how GBV service providers, located in a range of socio-political settings, navigated the process of digitalizing GBV prevention/response during the COVID-19 crisis.Method: Semi-structured key informant interviews (KII) with GBV service providers in varied sectors were implemented virtually (2020-2021) in Brazil, Guatemala, Iraq, and Italy (regarding forcibly displaced women/girls for the latter). Participants were recruited using purposive and snowball sampling. Interview guides covered a range of topics: perceived changes in violence and service provision, experiences with virtual services, system coordination, and challenges. The KIIs were conducted in Portuguese, Spanish, Arabic, and Italian. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and translated into English. The research team conducted thematic analysis within and between countries using a structured codebook of data driven and theory driven codes.Results: Major themes concerned the: (1) spectrum of services that were digitalized during the COVID-19 crisis; (2) gender digital divide as a barrier to equitable, safe, and effective service digitalization; (3) digital violence as an unintended consequence of increased digitalization across social/public services.Conclusion: Digitalization is a balancing act with respect to (1) the variety of remotely-delivered services that are possible and (2) the access/safety considerations related to the gender digital divide and digital violence.

Digitalization occurs when products and services are converted to digital forms; violence prevention/response services working with women and children who are forcibly displaced and/or living in low-and-middle income countries were no exception to the rapid trend of digitalization during the COVID-19 crisis.Using key informant interviews with service providers working in violence prevention and response sectors in Brazil, Guatemala, Iraq, and in Italy regarding forcibly displaced women/girls, we investigated the rapid digitalization of gender-based violence prevention/response during the COVID-19 crisis.The effectiveness, safety, and equitability of digitalized violence prevention/response services depends on how well they are balanced vis-a-vis the gender digital divide and risk of digital GBV.

[Social media as platforms for the visibility of gender-based violence during the COVID-19 pandemic in Colombia]. / Redes sociales como escenarios para la visibilización de las violencias basadas en género durante la pandemia de covid-19 en Colombia.

The purpose of this research is to identify predominant problematizations in Colombian feminist Instagram accounts regarding gender-based violence during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Employing a qualitative approach, a digital ethnography based on the principles of netnography was conducted as an alternative to detail the social worlds constructed from online groups. Fifty pieces of content from @lainsumisa and twenty pieces of content from @feministasenconstrucción, published between March 2020 and March 2021, were selected based on observations made within the online fieldwork framework. These were analyzed using discourse analysis techniques. The findings discuss the following emerging categories: unpaid household work, romanticized harassment, fatphobia, and the violation of Black and racialized women's rights. In this context, cyberactivism is presented as an opportunity for the emergence of collectives and support networks for women advocating for gender equality and their rights, towards questioning patriarchal ideas that jeopardize their well-being.

El propósito de esta investigación es identificar las problematizaciones predominantes en cuentas feministas colombianas de Instagram, sobre las violencias basadas en género durante el primer año de la pandemia de covid-19. Desde un enfoque cualitativo, se realizó una etnografía digital basada en los preceptos de la netnografía, como alternativa para detallar los mundos sociales construidos a partir de los grupos en línea. A partir de las observaciones realizadas en el marco del trabajo de campo en línea se seleccionaron 50 contenidos de @lainsumisa y 20 contenidos de @feministasenconstrucción, publicados entre marzo de 2020 y marzo de 2021, los cuales se analizaron mediante técnicas de análisis del discurso. Entre los hallazgos se discuten las siguientes categorías emergentes: el trabajo no remunerado en el hogar, el acoso romantizado, la gordofobia y la vulneración a las mujeres negras y racializadas. Al respecto, se plantea el ciberactivismo como una oportunidad para el surgimiento de colectivos y redes de apoyo para las mujeres que luchan por la equidad de género y por sus derechos, hacia el cuestionamiento de ideas patriarcales que atentan contra su bienestar.

Violencia en pareja en personas seropositivas: una revisión sistemática / Violência por parceiro íntimo em pessoas soropositivas: uma revisão sistemática / Partner violence in HIV-positive people: a systematic review

El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo, caracterizar la violenciaen pareja en personas con seropositividad (prevalencia,tipos de acciones violentas, variables de riesgo/ protectorasy consecuencias), para lo cual se realizó una revisión sistemáticaa través del protocolo PRISMA. La búsqueda de artículos serealizó en Scopus, Web of Science, Eric, Scielo y Pubmedpublicados hasta 2021. Se encontraron 113 artículos, de loscuales 22 cumplieron con los criterios de elegibilidad. Losresultados indican que la violencia en pareja en personasseropositivas, además de manifestarse de manera física,psicológica, patrimonial, sexual y verbal, se puede presentar através del uso del VIH para ejercer la violencia. La prevalenciavaría en función del contexto geográfico en un intervalo del19,6% al 43,1%; la cual es superior en población migrantey en hombres que tienen sexo con hombres (HSH) mujeresseropositivas, parejas no heterosexuales y en parejas en la queambos miembros son seropositivos. Las variables de riesgo/protectoras identificadas se asociaron con las dimensiones:informativas, motivacionales, de habilidades conductuales,sociodemográficas, culturales, de salud, sociofamiliares ypolíticas. Asimismo, se evidenciaron consecuencias sociales,económicas y de salud.(AU)

The objective of this work is to characterize partner violencein people with seropositivity (prevalence, types of violentactions, risk/protective variables, and consequences), for whicha systematic review was carried out through the PRISMAprotocol. The search for articles was carried out in Scopus,Web of Science, Eric, Scielo and Pubmed published up to 2021. 113 articles were found, of which 22 met the eligibilitycriteria. The results indicate that intimate partner violencein seropositive people, in addition to manifesting itself ina physical, psychological, patrimonial, sexual, and verbalway, can be presented using HIV to exercise violence. Theprevalence varies depending on the geographical contextin a range from 19.6% to 43.1%, which is higher in themigrant population and in men who have sex with men(MSM), seropositive women, non-heterosexual couples andin couples in which both members are seropositive. Therisk/protective variables identified were associated with thedimensions: informational, motivational, behavioral skills,sociodemographic, cultural, health, socio-family and political.Likewise, social, economic and health consequences wereevidenced.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho é caracterizar a violência conjugalem pessoas com soropositividade (prevalência, tipos de açõesviolentas, variáveis de risco/proteção e consequências), paraa qual foi realizada uma revisão sistemática por meio doprotocolo PRISMA. A busca de artigos foi realizada no Scopus,Web of Science, Eric, Scielo e Pubmed publicados até 2021.Foram encontrados 113 artigos, dos quais 22 atenderamaos critérios de elegibilidade. Os resultados indicam que aviolência por parceiro íntimo em pessoas soropositivas, alémde se manifestar de forma física, psicológica, patrimonial,sexual e verbal, pode se apresentar por meio do uso do HIVpara exercer a violência. A prevalência varia de acordo como contexto geográfico em uma faixa de 19,6% a 43,1%; queé maior na população migrante e em homens que fazemsexo com homens (HSH), mulheres soropositivas, casais nãoheterossexuais e em casais em que ambos os membros sãosoropositivos. As variáveis de risco/proteção identificadasforam associadas às dimensões: informacional, motivacional,habilidades comportamentais, sociodemográficas, culturais,de saúde, sociofamiliares e políticas. Da mesma forma, foramevidenciadas consequências sociais, econômicas e de saúde.(AU)

Obstetric violence and LGBTQIA+phobia: interlaced oppressions and violations. / Violência obstétrica e LGBTQIA+fobia: o entrelaçamento de opressões e violações.

The cisheteropatriarchal capitalist system has developed by class, racial and sexual oppression and exploitation in establishing unequal, hierarchical power relations. One of these kinds of oppression involves the use of violence against bodies considered wayward and transgressive within this structure. Of the different types of violence, this study focused on obstetric violence, understood as patriarchal gender violence designed to remove the rights, autonomy and agency of trans women and men during the processes of pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum and abortion. This article reflects on obstetric violence and its impacts on homo-parenthood for lesbian women and trans men, on the understanding that the LGBTQIA+ population is one of the most vulnerable and removed from health services, mainly because of the institutional violence suffered by these bodies. Accordingly, the intention is to understand, through social and historical analysis, how these sexist, heteropatriarchal violations, interlacing and reflecting in health care for these people, generate even more forms of oppression against this population.

O sistema capitalista e cisheteropatriarcal se desenvolveu através da opressão e exploração de classe, raça e sexo no estabelecimento de relações desiguais e hierarquizadas de poder, e uma dessas opressões é o uso da violência contra os corpos considerados errantes e transgressores dentro dessa estrutura. Dentre os diversos tipos de violência, o foco deste estudo está na violência obstétrica, compreendida como uma violência patriarcal de gênero que visa a retirada de direitos, autonomia e protagonismo de mulheres e homens trans durante o período gestacional, do parto e puerpério ou em processos de abortamento. Esse artigo tem como objetivo refletir sobre a violência obstétrica e seu impacto nas homoparentalidades de mulheres lésbicas e de homens trans, pois compreende-se que a população LGBTQIA+ é uma das mais vulnerabilizadas e que está mais distante dos serviços de saúde, justamente pela violência institucional que acomete esses corpos. Dessa forma, pretende-se compreender, através de uma análise social e histórica, como os atravessamentos dessas violações sexistas e heteropatriarcais se entrelaçam e refletem na assistência à saúde dessas pessoas, gerando ainda mais formas de opressão contra essa população.

Perceptions of abused Chinese women on community-based participatory approach programme in addressing their needs.

BACKGROUND: The community-based participatory approach (CBPA) has gained increasing recognition worldwide for enhancing the effectiveness of intervention. It is relatively new in Chinese societies and participants' perceptions are underexplored. This study aims to explore abused Chinese women's perceptions on the CBPA programme in addressing their needs. METHODS: A total of 11 abused Chinese women were recruited for a focus group and individual interviews. A semi-structured interview guide was used. All interviews were audio-recorded and data were transcribed verbatim. Conventional content analysis was used for analysis. RESULTS: Four themes were identified regarding the women's perceptions and experiences of the community-based participatory approach programme: (1) Women's perceived acceptability of the CBPA programme; (2) Women's perceived usefulness of the CBPA programme; (3) Women's perceived feasibility of the CBPA programme; and (4) Empowering the women through participating in CBPA. CONCLUSIONS: Abused Chinese women had high perceived acceptance and positive experiences towards the community-based participatory approach. Women benefited from their robust participation throughout the process. The findings confirm the potential of using the community-based participatory approach in designing interventions for future programme planning and intervention to address the needs of abused Chinese women.