Gender-Based Violence Prevention Through Community Platforms: How Rights Awareness and Community Resource Persons Support Reduced Domestic Violence in Flood-Affected Sindh, Pakistan

Abstract

Gender-based violence (GBV), particularly domestic violence, remains a critical public health challenge in flood-affected regions of Pakistan, where pre-existing gender inequalities are compounded by socioeconomic stressors and disrupted protection systems. This study investigated how Women Community Centers (WCCs), through rights awareness sessions and Community Resource Person (CRP) support, contributed to the prevention and reduction of domestic violence in flood-affected communities of Sindh, Pakistan. A qualitative evaluation design was employed. Fourteen key informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted in Sukkur and Khairpur districts between March and June 2025. Participants included CRPs, district coordinators, local administrative representatives, and women community leaders. Data was analyzed using thematic analysis with MAXQDA software. Five key themes emerged: (1) GBV awareness as a catalyst for rights recognition and help-seeking; (2) safe spaces enabling disclosure; (3) CRPs as trusted mediators and preventive agents; (4) structured referral pathways operationalizing community protection; and (5) perceived reductions in domestic violence and improved household dynamics. Culturally embedded, community-driven platforms integrating rights education, safe spaces, peer mediation, and referral linkages can effectively prevent domestic violence in post-disaster settings. Community resource people represent an underutilized but potent prevention asset in low-resource humanitarian contexts.