Dominica’s Health Officials and First Responders Enhance their Skills to Prevent and Respond to Sexual and Physical Violence in Emergencies

The Government of Dominica, UN Women and UNFPA host a capacity building workshop under the Global Affairs Canada-funded Build Back Equal Project

Photos compliments UNFPA

Roseau, Dominica – 03 July 2025: Government officials, health professionals, law enforcement, civil society, and development partners recently joined forces to strengthen Dominica’s national response to Gender-Based Violence in Emergency (GBViE) contexts.

Delivering opening remarks from UN Women Multi-Country Office Caribbean, Ms. Loveness Nyakujarah, BBE Project Coordinator and Gender Programme Specialist contextualized the workshop within regional and global challenges. “The Caribbean is confronting dual crises of climate change and gender-based violence. Ordinarily challenged with less access to employment and resources, natural hazard events exacerbate women’s economic vulnerabilities and are often associated with higher levels of GBV - sexual and physical violence. Often, during emergencies, there can be difficulties in accessing safe havens, including for expectant mothers.

“This training is a call to action. Integrating gender into emergency planning is not just a policy goal; it is a matter of survival and dignity. Since climate change adaptation plans often do not fully account for the differential vulnerabilities of men, women, and key vulnerable groups, UN Women is working through its Inclusive Resilient Safe and Secure Spaces (IRiS) Model to combat GBV by providing a structured approach to understanding and addressing the complexities of gender dynamics in emergency contexts. Applying this under the Build Back Equal Project initiatives, we are addressing the root causes of gender inequality and building women’s economic resilience, while expanding access to justice, social protection, and services,” Mrs. Nyakujarah said. 
 

“This workshop reflects the power of partnership,” said Ms. De-Jane Gibbons, Liaison Officer for UNFPA’s Subregional Office for the Caribbean. “We are meeting at a time when climate-related disasters are becoming more frequent and intense. Gender-based violence often spikes during crises, and this reality demands that our responses are timely, survivor-centered, inclusive, and anchored in human rights.”

Ms. Gibbons further emphasized that the validation of the Clinical Management of Rape (CMR) protocol is a major step toward institutionalizing care that is standardized, trauma-informed, and rights-based, ensuring survivors receive comprehensive, compassionate care even during emergencies.

Dr. Kyra Paul, Permanent Secretary - Ministry of Health, Wellness and Social Services, underscored the government’s commitment to system strengthening. “The validation of Dominica’s Clinical Management of Rape (CMR) protocol aligns directly with the Ministry of Health’s ongoing review of its mental health policy and legislation. Both initiatives reflect a broader government strategy to create an inclusive, trauma-informed, and shock-responsive health system. By embedding standardized care for survivors of sexual violence and integrating mental health support within national health service frameworks, Dominica is building a health system that prioritizes dignity, accessibility, and holistic well-being for all citizens—especially in times of crisis.”

She also announced the Ministry’s recent review of its mental health policy and legislation, aligned with the broader goal of creating inclusive and shock-responsive health and social systems. “This work complements the Build Back Equal initiative’s mission to remove barriers to empowerment and ensure that no one is left behind,” Dr. Paul added.

The workshop aimed to ensure participants:

• Strengthened their ability to respond to GBV during emergencies
• Reviewed the national GBV Referral Pathway and agreed on a roadmap for revising the GBV Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to ensure that they are comprehensive and enhance coordination of GBV actors.
• Engaged in advanced training on the Clinical Management of Rape (CMR)
• Explored strategies for gender mainstreaming across emergency planning

The development of the CMR protocol is the result of extensive consultations with health professionals, civil society, and justice sector actors. It will serve as a cornerstone for coordinated and survivor-centered health response in Dominica. 

“It ensures that survivors are treated with dignity, that evidence is collected ethically and appropriately, and that services are delivered in a coordinated and respectful manner. This protocol will guide healthcare providers across Dominica in delivering care that is standardized, trauma-informed, and aligned with international and national standards,” Ms. Gibbons affirmed UNFPA can be called upon to provide further technical guidance in the finalization and implementation phases of the CMR protocol.

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