The guidelines on setting up the ‘One-Stop Service Units (OSSUs) for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were officially launched on December 23. Supplied
The guidelines on setting up the “One-Stop Service Units” (OSSUs) for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) were officially launched on December 23.
The initiative, which aims to strengthen multi-sectoral response and support services for women and girls affected by all forms of GBV across Cambodia, was created by the Ministry of Women’s Affairs (MoWA) and the Ministry of Health, with technical and financial support from the Australian Government ACCESS 2 Program, through UNFPA.
“I strongly expect all relevant ministries, local authorities and partners will implement this guideline in setting up OSSUs for survivors of gender-based violence in all provinces across the country to ensure quality of comprehensive services on time, effectively and inclusively for survivors of gender-based violence,” said Ing Kantha Phavi, Minister of Women’s Affairs.
“The development of the OSSU Guidelines is a direct response to the 3rd National Action Plan to Prevent Violence Against Women (2019-2023) and follows the recommendation of former prime minister Hun Sen to establish comprehensive support units for GBV survivors,” explained a December 23 joint press release.
It also detailed how the OSSUs will function.
“OSSUs provide a safe space for women that experience violence by offering all necessary services – medical care, legal support, psychological help and safety – under one roof. They eliminate the need for survivors to visit multiple providers. This approach ensures that survivors receive the help they need in a safe, confidential and coordinated manner, making it easier for them to access necessary services and begin their healing journey,” it said.
“We need to remove barriers to seeking help and we need to ensure our systems respond to need – and the OSSU model by having all support under one roof is a critical step to improving access to quality services for those experiencing violence,” noted Sandra Bernklau, UNFPA Representative.
“The official launch of the Guidelines signifies a crucial step in ensuring standardised, effective and coordinated support for GBV survivors throughout Cambodia. The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) will be disseminated to all relevant ministries, institutions, civil society organisations and the 25 provincial governors to guide the implementation and operation of OSSUs nationwide,” added the release.
Key features of the OSSU SOP include the process on how to set up the OSSU in hospitals and clear guidelines for the roles and responsibilities of different agencies involved.
The guidelines place an emphasis on confidential, ethical, survivor-centered and trauma-informed care, as well as the environment at the OSSU and referral flow, and case recording.
“Both Australia and Cambodia are committed to taking a survivor-centered approach to gender-based violence services – these One Stop Service Units are a good example of this,” said Connor Floyd, second secretary from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Pen Rek Sy, health ministry secretary of state, highlighted that the ministry is preparing Gender Policy Mainstreaming in the health sector.
The work of setting the OSSU for the survivor of gender-based violence is an important tool and will be included by the ministry in the upcoming new strategic plan, he explained.
