The distance between care and access: GBV survivors in Uganda's refugee settlements’ struggle to reach life-saving support

Executive summary

For women and girls living in Uganda’s refugee settlements, reaching life-saving support after gender-based violence can be difficult. DRC assessments in Imvepi, Lobule and Rhino Camp show how displacement, economic insecurity, unsafe movement and limited services can increase exposure to GBV while also making it harder for survivors to seek help.

Fear of being identified as a survivor is one of the biggest barriers to accessing health and psychosocial support. Distance, stigma, concerns about confidentiality, language barriers, and fear of retaliation can further delay access to care. For survivors of sexual violence, these delays can have serious consequences, as HIV post-exposure prophylaxis can only be administered within 72 hours of an assault.

The report also highlights significant differences between settlements, with services weaker and less accessible in Lobule and Rhino Camp than in Imvepi. Strengthening safe spaces, psychosocial support, and referral pathways, alongside essential health, legal, safety, and shelter services, is critical to ensuring survivors can access the support they need when they need it.