Background
Uganda reports a high prevalence of Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV) and Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) among SWs and LGBTI communities respectively. A 2012 ‘Crane’ Survey among Sex Workers (SWs) in Kampala showed that 82% of the 1,467 respondents had experienced client-initiated GBV. Similarly, there’s a great deal of anecdotal evidence that such violence disproportionately affects the LGBT community. There’s however limited capacity of the health care system to respond to the health care needs of SW and LGBT, often worsened by the endemic lack of self-efficacy among SW and LGBTI communities.

About the project
The project aimed at promoting self-efficacy and linkage to SGBV and IPV services among SWs and LGBTI in Kampala. The objectives were to raise awareness of existing SGBV and IPV needs and services among health workers and LGBTI/SW community and to strengthen referrals and linkage for SGBV and IPV services for SW and LGBTI community. The ITP team conducted an assessment on violence among 60 respondents, disseminated key findings to stakeholders, produced an SGBV/IPV referral directory for key populations within Kampala and trained 25 peer education on SGBV/IPV.

Results
Formation of a peer WhatsApp group for information sharing, increased peer to peer discourse on SRHR services, 3 sites now offer SRHR services to SWs and LGBTIs and eestablishment of networks with Icebreakers Uganda, Fem Alliance Uganda and AWAC.

Year: 2018/2019