INCREASED SUPPORT FOR POST RAPE CARE SERVICE PROVISION: CAPACITY-BUILDING TRAINING ON THE EHM YOUTH ENGAGEMENT TOOLKIT FOR COMMUNITY INFLUENCERS

 In an effort to strengthen local support responses to sexual violence and rapid access to post-rape care services, the Uganda Youth and Adolescent Health Forum (UYAHF), in collaboration with IDI and Baylor Uganda and with support from CDD-Uganda, organized a series of impactful capacity-building training sessions in Wakiso, Masaka, and Fort Portal for key stakeholders who are significant in the chain support for post-rape care service provision. 0778

The Every Hour Matters (EHM) capacity-building trainings took place on January 15th, 17th, and 23rd, 2025 across the districts of Wakiso, Masaka, and Fortportal respectively altogether convening 144 participants that included health workers, police officers, DREAMS project peer champions, district officials such as probation officers, community development officers, and community leaders, people living with disabilities, people living and affected by HIV and AIDS as well as commercial sex workers to raise awareness, create a learning and re-learning platform, and create a unified approach to supporting survivors of sexual and gender-based violence using the youth engagement toolkit that was put together by together for girls. The training aimed to refresh the participant’s knowledge and practice gaps in providing SGBV survivor-centered services, specifically “the significance of timely response, emphasizing the importance of Speed is of the essence in preventing HIV and unplanned pregnancies, providing emergency STI&D treatment, providing psychosocial support for survivors”.

The training emphasized a crucial touchpoint for rapid response to SGBV, marking an important step towards enhancing the quality and accessibility of post-rape care services at the community level. During the sessions, participants reported a marked increase in their understanding of the critical 72-hour window to prevent HIV, the 120-hour windows within which to take emergency contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy, and the significance of psychological support, which has more harm to the survivor’s life. Many expressed a newfound confidence in providing immediate care, referrals, and psychosocial support and assistance to survivors, ensuring a more responsive and supportive environment for young people facing such challenges.

The training further unearthed the potential young people hold in supporting their peers in challenging SGBV. The DREAMS Project peer champions recognized their essential role in disseminating information to their peers and communities. They expressed a strong desire to actively engage with their local youth groups and schools to raise awareness about post-rape care and encourage peers to seek support when needed. While the district and community leaders, health workers, and police officers acknowledged the gaps in resources for post-rape care services, a strong consensus emerged around the need to advocate for local capacity enhancement at health facilities that would strengthen the provision of these services. This highlighted the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to post-rape care support
Additionally, the training saw the participants make personal commitments to apply the knowledge gained and work together to improve support for post-rape care services across their districts. Several key action points emerged, including: improving accessibility to post-rape care services at local health centers; implementing community outreach programs to raise awareness about available services; advocating for the establishment of safe spaces for survivors in communities; building stronger multi-sectoral partnerships; and continuing training and capacity-building to ensure that post-rape care remains a priority.

Participant’s Voices:

“This is a crucial aspect that has been missing in the DREAMS project, and I appreciate UYAHF for introducing it. The DREAMS stepping stone curriculum addresses SGBV, so as the DREAMS liaison officer, I will ensure that peers incorporate EHM messaging during sessions. From today’s training, it is clear that SGBV prevention and post-rape care services are closely connected,” Nandaula Hajara, DREAMS Liaison Officer, IDI Masaka, mentioned.

“Previously, when survivors approached us with issues, we would simply advise them to report to the police, assuming that was sufficient. However, today’s training has shown me the correct procedure for guiding and supporting a survivor. Seeking medical attention should be the first step before anything else, and this is a key message I will share with my peers,” emphasized Namukwaya Brivian, a DREAMS peer, in Masaka.

“This training serves as a crucial reminder of our responsibility in addressing SGBV. While statistics indicate an increase in reported cases, the real concern is whether these cases are properly handled and if survivors receive the support they need. Let’s use this opportunity to strengthen our skills in survivor-centered care and reduce the risks of HIV and unintended pregnancy by ensuring timely interventions,” said Kemigabo Catherine, Kabarole District Local Government.

“I am grateful to have participated in this training. The most exciting part for me was learning about the Sexual Assault Evidence Collection, which I previously knew nothing about. Initially, I, like many others, thought evidence collection only involved keeping the survivor’s clothing and conducting a medical examination to check for signs of penetration. However, I have now realized the importance of handling evidence carefully to avoid tampering and have gained valuable knowledge on how to properly use the toolkit,” mentioned Banura Faith, Kasusu Health Center III, Fort Portal.

“As chairman, I have often helped families resolve conflicts and even mediated cases of defilement and marital rape, believing that negotiation was the best way to handle SGBV cases. However, my limited knowledge of the serious health risks involved influenced this approach. Today, my perspective has completely changed. I now understand the importance of not only referring survivors to health facilities immediately but also ensuring they receive justice. Moving forward, I will use my monthly gatherings to educate fellow Local Council Is and village leaders on the need to support survivors rather than protect perpetrators, said Tadeo, Local Council I, Wakiso.

With continued collaboration and commitment, there is hope for improved care, better outcomes, and stronger communities in the fight against sexual violence. As the voices of health workers, police officers, community leaders, and district officials echoed their commitment to change, it became clear that together we can create a more supportive environment for survivors and ensure that “Every Hour Matters” in the provision of post-rape care services.

You can join the campaign through #PostRapeCare: We encourage all stakeholders—healthcare professionals, law enforcers, community leaders, and advocatesto take inspiration from the participants commitments and continue working together to improve services for survivors. Join us as we advocate for the rights of post-rape care and strive to ensure that no survivor falls behind.