Caring for victims of violence

Location: Disadvantaged districts in Port-au-Prince

Situation:

The poorest country in the northern hemisphere, Haiti is emerging from a long political crisis and trying to reconstruct a state of law, which would respect the fundamental rights of its citizens. MdM is working in disadvantaged rural areas, characterised by a weak government presence and a subsistence economy that is vulnerable to changing weather conditions. MdM is also working in poor areas of Port-au-Prince which are blighted by crime and violence.

Activities:

MdM organised awareness-raising sessions on violence in five health facilities, began a training programme for healthcare staff and has defined an outline methodology for psychological care. In addition, in collaboration with its partner URAMEL, MdM has rejoined the institutional consultation forums on the rights of victims. At the same time, MdM has lobbied for the use of a single registration form for cases of violence and for free medical certificates for victims of violence.

Outlook:

MdM will train leaders and community health agents, will manage mass media awareness-raising activities on violence, will refurbish five health facilities, will develop a psychotherapy programme and will increase its involvement in multidisciplinary networks and in advocacy activities.

Project start date: July 2006     

End date: June 2009