Standard Operating Procedure for the Clinical Management of Sexual and Gender-based Violence

This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the clinical management of Sexual and Gender-based Violence (SGBV) is the first SOP developed by the Ministry of Health of Vanuatu as a guide to ensure proper processes and documentation are followed in response to SGBV. The SOP contributes to the overall vision of the Ministry of Health, “A healthy, prosperous and sustainable Vanuatu in which all people, especially women, children, young people, people with disability and other vulnerable groups, and those living in rural areas, enjoy a high quality of physical, mental, spiritual and social well-being through equitable access to affordable and quality health care”.

The SOP presents clear procedures, roles, and responsibilities for healthcare providers in all healthcare facilities in Vanuatu for the clinical management of rape, sexual violence, and gender-based violence (adult and child). It highlights the importance of the role that all health care workers play in the care of survivors of sexual and gender-based violence.

The SGBV SOP provides guidance on processes and procedures for the survivor’s pathway to ensure they receive the appropriate care they need during and after clinical examination and assessment. This will allow other referral services outside of health to continue to support and follow up on survivors for the support they need. The SOP provides guidance and direction to health professionals to implement procedures and a step-by-step response to survivors of SGBV.

The SOP received funding support from the European Union (EU) Spotlight Initiative for the technical assistance and activity implementation facilitated through UNFPA.