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Table 2 Strategies to support victims of GBV

From: Understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective

1

Disclosure, identification and trust

Implement different moments for screening procedures during the asylum process.

Build confidence in the legal and healthcare systems through the role of a first-contact caregiver. This professional should build trust to encourage disclosure, ensure access to healthcare, and coordinate continuity at the moment of transfer. Systematically introducing this professional in all federal asylum centers would be advisable.

2

Legal protection and prevention measures

Engage leadership, strengthen legal protection, and offer judicial protection services.

Educate GBV victims, potential perpetrators and the wider asylum-seeking population about local laws.

Put in place prevention measures at the individual, community, and societal levels. Organize workshops, training, and information sessions on how to bolster resilience. Engage all the stakeholders involved in the asylum process.

3

Training and financial support for healthcare workers

Enhance knowledge about sociocultural background of different migration groups and provide adequate training and certification of health workers (e.g. “Swiss Doctors for Equity Network”).

Guarantee financial support to intercultural interpreters.

4

Financial support

Dedicate financial support (cantonal and federal) that would help all the implicated professional groups (medical, paramedical, interpreters, NGOs, GBV Coordinator).

5

Continuity of care

Build a network of competent professionals and build an electronic information exchange platform to ensure a seamless continuity of care beyond cantonal borders.