Rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Haiti are disturbingly high, with the most recent national survey reporting that 12% of women in Haiti have experienced sexual violence and 29% of women have experienced physical violence at some point in their lives. To compound the issue, SGBV is likely under-reported and survivors face significant challenges to access care. The perceived barriers to care include shame, stigma, fear of disclosure and social consequences, as well as cost and distance to health facilities and lack of transport at night.

In Haiti, MSF runs two clinics for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) - the Pran Men’m clinic in Port-au-Prince and a newer adolescent sexual health project outside of the capital in Gonaïves. Both clinics provide comprehensive medical and psychosocial care and offer referrals for support services. The care is provided in line with survivor-centered principles, which puts the interests of the patient before all else, and is free of charge and confidential. All survivors are offered prophylaxis for HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), emergency contraception, psychosocial support, and when possible, referral to support services, such as legal or protection services, through our team of social workers.

In October 2020, MSF also started a free, confidential 24-7 hotline service for survivors of SGBV. The service is active throughout Haiti, and was started to support survivors of SGBV violence by providing information and referrals towards services that can support them. In 2021 alone, MSF has responded to 303 hotline calls and helped orient callers towards additional support.