Building an Inclusive Response to Gender-Based Violence
By Rakhshanda Saba
Gender-based violence is not only a violation of individual rights; it is a wider social challenge that affects families, communities and the overall development of society. For persons with disabilities, particularly women and girls, the risks and consequences of gender-based violence can be compounded by physical, social, economic and institutional barriers. Ensuring their access to protection and support services is therefore an essential part of building a just, inclusive and rights-based society.
In Balochistan, a technical working group meeting on access to gender-based violence-related services for persons with disabilities has highlighted an important dimension of social protection. The review focused on the accessibility of health, legal and justice services, police and protection mechanisms, social support, counselling and referral facilities for persons affected by gender-based violence.
The issue deserves attention because having a service available does not necessarily mean that everyone can access it. A woman with a physical, hearing, visual or other disability may face difficulties in reaching a health facility, communicating with service providers, understanding available options or pursuing a legal complaint. In some cases, dependence on family members or caregivers can further limit privacy and the ability to seek help independently.
An inclusive response requires institutions to recognize these barriers and address them systematically. Health facilities, police stations, legal services, social welfare institutions and counselling centres need to be physically accessible, while information about available services should also be provided in formats that can be understood and used by persons with different disabilities.
Training of frontline personnel is equally important. Staff dealing with survivors should understand disability-related needs, confidentiality, informed consent and respectful communication. A survivor should be treated with dignity and should not have to repeatedly explain her circumstances to different institutions simply because coordination mechanisms are weak.
An effective referral system can make a significant difference. When a survivor approaches one institution, she should be able to receive appropriate guidance and, where necessary, be safely referred to another relevant service. Strong coordination among government departments, United Nations agencies and civil society organizations can help reduce gaps and ensure that assistance reaches those who need it.
The development of a review report and referral directory for Balochistan represents an important step toward understanding existing gaps and improving coordination. However, the real value of such initiatives will ultimately depend on their implementation at the community level.
Society also has an important role to play. Families, community leaders, educational institutions and civil society can contribute to creating an environment in which persons with disabilities are respected, heard and protected. Awareness can help challenge attitudes that treat disability as dependence or vulnerability rather than recognizing the rights and capabilities of individuals.
A society’s commitment to inclusion is measured not only by the services it establishes, but by how accessible those services are to the people most likely to face barriers. Making gender-based violence responses disability-inclusive is therefore not a separate social welfare concern. It is part of creating a safer, more equitable and dignified society for everyone.