Understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective
Abstract Background When it comes to gender-based violence (GBV), migrant women and girls represent the most vulnerable group. GBV can happen at any stage of migrants’ flight and/or during the asylum process. It has severe consequences on their life and health. Victims therefore need timely access t...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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BMC
2020-09-01
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| Series: | BMC International Health and Human Rights |
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| Online Access: | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12914-020-00244-w |
| _version_ | 1819064412476014592 |
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| author | Mirjam D. Rodella Sapia Tenzin Wangmo Stéphanie Dagron Bernice S. Elger |
| author_facet | Mirjam D. Rodella Sapia Tenzin Wangmo Stéphanie Dagron Bernice S. Elger |
| author_sort | Mirjam D. Rodella Sapia |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Abstract Background When it comes to gender-based violence (GBV), migrant women and girls represent the most vulnerable group. GBV can happen at any stage of migrants’ flight and/or during the asylum process. It has severe consequences on their life and health. Victims therefore need timely access to healthcare. This study explores the context GBV victims face when they seek refuge in Switzerland. Methods Qualitative methodology was used where we conducted five semi-structured focus groups and three interviews. A total of sixteen stakeholders participated in the study. They were either involved in the asylum process or provided healthcare to asylum seekers. We analyzed the data using framework analysis. Results Study participants noted lack of confidence of the GBV victims in the legal and in the healthcare systems as major barriers to disclosure of GBV. Since only GBV exerted before fleeing the home country gives the right to asylum, they pointed out that victims do not disclose GBV that took place after they left their home country. Language was identified as a barrier to disclosure of GBV as well as to healthcare access. Continuity of care at the moment of transfer from federal to cantonal (i.e. state) accommodations is another issue that was deemed critical. Study participants felt that health professionals must be trained to identify GBV victims. The first-contact caregiver available to these victims was deemed as the most competent professional that could act as a “GBV coordinator”. Conclusion In Switzerland, access to healthcare is guaranteed to all asylum seekers on a legal and structural level. Yet, health seeking by GBV survivors is hindered by factors such as lack of confidence in the legal system, trust in health providers, and continuity of care during the asylum process. Building trust in legal institutions, health structures, and professionals should be enhanced to facilitate disclosure and to strengthen resilience. This includes a healthcare system with competent professionals, support with language and cultural needs, as well as seamless continuity of care beyond cantonal borders. |
| first_indexed | 2024-12-21T15:30:10Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-4f57bbaad63d4e42906ebdf0d9a07aed |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 1472-698X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-12-21T15:30:10Z |
| publishDate | 2020-09-01 |
| publisher | BMC |
| record_format | Article |
| series | BMC International Health and Human Rights |
| spelling | doaj.art-4f57bbaad63d4e42906ebdf0d9a07aed2022-12-21T18:58:47ZengBMCBMC International Health and Human Rights1472-698X2020-09-0120111110.1186/s12914-020-00244-wUnderstanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspectiveMirjam D. Rodella Sapia0Tenzin Wangmo1Stéphanie Dagron2Bernice S. Elger3Institute for Biomedical Ethics, University of BaselInstitute for Biomedical Ethics, University of BaselGlobal Studies Institute / Institute of Global Health, University of GenevaInstitute for Biomedical Ethics, University of BaselAbstract Background When it comes to gender-based violence (GBV), migrant women and girls represent the most vulnerable group. GBV can happen at any stage of migrants’ flight and/or during the asylum process. It has severe consequences on their life and health. Victims therefore need timely access to healthcare. This study explores the context GBV victims face when they seek refuge in Switzerland. Methods Qualitative methodology was used where we conducted five semi-structured focus groups and three interviews. A total of sixteen stakeholders participated in the study. They were either involved in the asylum process or provided healthcare to asylum seekers. We analyzed the data using framework analysis. Results Study participants noted lack of confidence of the GBV victims in the legal and in the healthcare systems as major barriers to disclosure of GBV. Since only GBV exerted before fleeing the home country gives the right to asylum, they pointed out that victims do not disclose GBV that took place after they left their home country. Language was identified as a barrier to disclosure of GBV as well as to healthcare access. Continuity of care at the moment of transfer from federal to cantonal (i.e. state) accommodations is another issue that was deemed critical. Study participants felt that health professionals must be trained to identify GBV victims. The first-contact caregiver available to these victims was deemed as the most competent professional that could act as a “GBV coordinator”. Conclusion In Switzerland, access to healthcare is guaranteed to all asylum seekers on a legal and structural level. Yet, health seeking by GBV survivors is hindered by factors such as lack of confidence in the legal system, trust in health providers, and continuity of care during the asylum process. Building trust in legal institutions, health structures, and professionals should be enhanced to facilitate disclosure and to strengthen resilience. This includes a healthcare system with competent professionals, support with language and cultural needs, as well as seamless continuity of care beyond cantonal borders.http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12914-020-00244-wGender-based violenceWomen asylum seekersAccess to healthcareLegal frameworkwomen’s rights |
| spellingShingle | Mirjam D. Rodella Sapia Tenzin Wangmo Stéphanie Dagron Bernice S. Elger Understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective BMC International Health and Human Rights Gender-based violence Women asylum seekers Access to healthcare Legal framework women’s rights |
| title | Understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective |
| title_full | Understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective |
| title_fullStr | Understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective |
| title_full_unstemmed | Understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective |
| title_short | Understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender-based violence: a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective |
| title_sort | understanding access to professional healthcare among asylum seekers facing gender based violence a qualitative study from a stakeholder perspective |
| topic | Gender-based violence Women asylum seekers Access to healthcare Legal framework women’s rights |
| url | http://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12914-020-00244-w |
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