Gender-based Violence and Psychological Assistance

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious health and human rights issue. Reports indicate that in Haiti, one in three women aged 15-49 has experienced physical and/or sexual violence. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, more than 27,000 women and girls experience sexual violence each year. The school environment is the second most frequent place for unwanted touching after the family of the victims, especially for girls aged 9 to 17.

Sourire D'Enfants is a leading local actor in the psychological care of victims of gender-based violence. In Martissant, Fontamara, Carrefour, and surrounding areas, numerous cases of sexual violence and all forms of gender-based violence, in general, are reported daily, as a direct consequence of the activities of armed groups. This particularly worrying situation has recently accelerated with the resurgence of conflicts between rival gangs, forcing the populations of the areas concerned into a massive exodus that is beyond the norm. In addition to urgent medical care, psychological support is the cornerstone of the services offered to GBV victims. 

The management of gender-based violence is both medical and psychological to ensure a proper physical and psychological recovery of survivors. The medical management is done by our health partners for immediate care needs. Within the network of community health centers Sove Lavi (Save life Center), survivors are welcomed with professionalism and empathy in full respect of their rights. Sourire D’Enfants provides the second care level, and these are the psychological and psychosocial support that they need. 

The women's health team works in close collaboration with multipurpose community health workers (MCWs) and community educators to provide prevention, care, and treatment services to victims of rape and sexual violence. We take a strong community-based approach, also working with organized women's groups and schools to increase awareness of available GBV services and provide emergency psychosocial and medical support within all affiliated health clinics. 

We believe that this work of awareness and education must begin at an early age. Within our partnership with various schools, Sourire D’Enfants makes it a priority to teach students how to protect themselves above all. They learn through various educational sessions how to recognize the signs of physical, sexual, and mental abuse. They are given the appropriate tools to protect themselves but also to teach others.

With the financial and technical support of international and national partners, we ensure continuous advocacy for the rights of women and girls and continue to accompany them through holistic care. Access to care, psychological and health services, and legal remedies is limited due to a lack of resources, political will, economic insecurity, gender imbalances, and widespread poverty.

Children's Smile brings comfort, help, and joy to create a world where inequality is less poignant. We work to bring a beacon of hope to the hearts of many children and young people left on their own, girls and women who have been raped, abused, stigmatized, and marginalized.