Representatives from departments of Gender Affairs, Non-governmental Organizations NGOs) and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in seven Caribbean countries and territories were recently supported by UNFPA Barbados with launching Gender Based Violence (GBV) Referral pathways. The countries and territories receiving receiving assistance included Anguilla, Bahamas, Barbados, British Virgin Islands (BVI), Grenada, St. Kitts and Nevis and Saint Lucia. The orientation and launch provided participants with useful ways to coordinate service delivery and facilitate survivor’s access to services. They were guided on the roles and responsibilities of GBV focal points as well as the role and responsibilities of other humanitarian workers or services providers.  

Gender Based Violence (GBV) Referral pathways facilitate primary duty bearers and actors with information on how to respond to GBV cases and provides guidance for survivors of GBV on where to seek assistance and what services are available at different referral points. GBV Pathways can include any of the following: Case Management, Health, Psychosocial, Security and Protection, Legal/Justice, and/or Economic support. 

It is important for countries to have referral pathways that can cater to multiple and complex needs of survivors which require a comprehensive set of services via a coordinated and multi-sectoral response.

The objective of the orientation and launch was to aid members of gender institutions on how to communicate and work together, in a safe, ethical and confidential manner, to provide survivors with comprehensive support.