Testing Gender-based Violence Response in Family Planning and Antenatal Care Services in Nigeria

Testing the Integration of Gender-based Violence First-line Response in Family Planning and Antenatal Care Services in Nigeria

To pilot and evaluate the integration of first-line response to gender- based violence (GBV), particularly intimate partner violence (IPV), sexual violence and reproductive coercion, within family planning (FP) and antenatal care (ANC) services at public health facilities in Ebonyi and Sokoto states in Nigeria.

GBV first-line response in the health setting includes screening , empowerment counseling, safety planning, and support to connect to additional services needed.

This study seeks to:

1. Assess effectiveness of an integrated service delivery model (integration of GBV first-line response and empowerment counseling in standard of care FP or ANC services) in reducing on-going experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) and increasing utilization of modern contraceptive methods among clients.

1a. Assess effectiveness of the intervention in reducing IPV, increasing utilization of modern contraceptive methods, and improving safety and self-efficacy among clients seeking interval FP services.

1b. Assess effectiveness of the intervention in reducing IPV and improving safety and self-efficacy to seek GBV care among clients seeking ANC services.

2. Explore factors influencing feasibility, acceptability and ability to implement GBV first-line response as part of FP and ANC services.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Woman of reproductive age (18 to 49 years) seeking FP or ANC services at study sites
• Women who believe they are able to conceive (i.e. who have not undergone a tubal ligation, hysterectomy, or oophorectomy, or are menopausal) (for FP clients)
• Have a male partner they currently have sex with
• Have a mobile phone that can be safely used for re-contacting for follow-up surveys
• Do not have any accompanying male partners or family members aged 5 or above present

Exclusion Criteria:

• Any individuals that do not meet all of the above inclusion criteria or do not agree to participate in the study will be excluded from data collection.
• In addition, individuals with impaired cognitive abilities (I.e. unable to make decisions/respond to questions on their own without assistance by someone else)will also be excluded from the data collection.
• Finally, women who share a mobile phone with their partner/husband or another family member will also be excluded.