Prevalence and socio-demographic aspect of gender-based violence at the Zinder holistic care centre (Niger) : A cross-sectional study

Abstract Background: Gender-based violence is an important public health problem worldwide. The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, the socio-demographic profile of patients (survivors and perpetrators) and the different types of gender-based violence treated at the Zinder holistic care centre in the Republic of Niger. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study of cases of gender-based violence recorded and managed at the holistic gender-based violence management centre in Zinder (Niger) over the period from 1 January 2022 to 31 December 2023. The data collected were analysed using EPI infos version 7.1 software. Results: During the study period, 515 cases of gender-based violence were recorded. Most of the victims were women and girls (95.15%). Minors accounted for 42.28% of cases. The victims were aged 18 and over in 57.67% (297 cases). Single people accounted for 39.22% of cases. Students accounted for 41.36% of cases. As regards the perpetrators of gender-based violence, men accounted for almost all the cases (95.53%). In 45.44% of cases it was the sexual partner, and in 36.12% of cases the assault took place in the victim's home. Five types of gender-based violence were observed: physical violence (121 cases, 23.5%), denial of resources, opportunities or services (148 cases, 28%), rape (117 cases, 22.7%), sexual abuse (64 cases, 12.4%), forced marriage (42 cases, 8%) and psychological/emotional abuse (28 cases, 5.4%). Conclusion: Gender-based violence is common in Niger. The victims were young women, pupils or students, single and unemployed. Efforts still need to be made to increase the reporting of cases of GBV, involve community leaders and provide optimal medical, legal and socio-professional care.