Haiti: Snapshot on incidents of gender-based violence (GBV) from January to October 2024 – Haiti

Between January and October 2024, the GBV subgroup reported 5,400 incidents of GBV (1), including 72% sexual violence. We observe a continuous and significant increase in the number of GBV incidents reported between the first and second quarters of 2024. Thus, between January and March 2024, 1,793 incidents of GBV were reported, from April to June 2024, the declaration has increased by 36.4% (2445 incidents of GBV).

From July to date, the number of reports decreased to 1162. It should be noted that the reports do not represent the scale of actual GBV cases, as these figures depend on the voluntary reporting of survivors. Between the end of May and July 2024, access to services within 72 hours of the rape incident remained low and stable at around 27%. Victims who arrive after the 03-day deadline cannot complete their medical treatment due to lack of financial resources, and the subsidy does not cover additional examinations (blood tests, urine tests, vaginal smears, etc.) or treatment. genitourinary infections in particular).

Between April and June 2024, regarding the provision of medical services within 72 hours of a GBV incident, reports indicate an increase of more than 100% compared to the previous period. However, for the current period, reports indicate a decrease of almost 50%. Victims who arrive after the 03-day deadline cannot complete their medical treatment due to lack of financial resources, and the subsidy does not cover additional examinations (blood tests, urine tests, vaginal smears, etc.) and treatment of genitourinary infections in particular).

The insufficiency or absence of healthcare structures, sometimes with forced closures, the lack of qualified personnel and the security situation in the country are major obstacles to access to services. The survivor referral mechanism remains very weak. Some survivors experienced horror to the point of no longer remembering the events precisely. They don’t even think about filing a complaint for fear of reprisals. Legal services remain expensive and there are no resources to support services and courts that are not functioning. Safe spaces or transit centers for emergency temporary accommodation of survivors remain precarious and inadequate. Many survivors who call the helpline live on the streets in communities and do not have telephones.