Location: Nicaragua - Puerto Cabezas, North Atlantic Autonomous Region

Situation:

In 2001, with a high prevalence of domestic and sexual violence, in particular against women and children, the government has made this problem a public health priority. Doctors of the World (DOW) is involved with the victims in one of the poorest regions, where the population suffers from various diseases related to social or sanitary conditions, undoubtedly a risk  factor for violence.

Activities:

DOW is building up a network consisting of civil society and institutional partners in order to provide comprehensive care for victims of domestic and sexual violence. Part of the project assures the continuation of the CAIMCA (Centro de Atención Integral a la Mujer Carabeña) centre by way of building the awareness of key actors, and training personnel and health promoters. In this way, free and quality services are guaranteed for the beneficiaries. Also, prevention of this violence from within the  male population has been achieved by promoting new types of family relations based on respecting the dignity and the rights of each individual.

Outlook:

DOW continues to support its partners, in preparation for eventual withdrawal while guaranteeing that the work will continue. Lobbying of governmental decision makers will continue in order to improve provision of care for victims.