Abstract:
Gender Based Violence remains one of the most serious and the most tolerated human rights violations. In Ethiopia, girls and women face many forms of GBV rooted in unequal power dynamics between women and men, which hinder women’s and girls’ development, health, livelihood, and physical and mental well-being. The study assessed challenges and opportunities of GBV at ArbaMinch one Stop center. The study sought to understand the service available to the victims and way of delivery, effectiveness of the center, challenges and opportunities. Methodologically study employed descriptive research design and qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling technique used to select respondents, using it 17 had been selected as sample of the study. In-depth, key informant interview and non-participant observation employed in data collection and the study used qualitative data analysis technique. The study shows that the ArbaMinch one Stop center provides integrated services such as medical, counseling, and legal aid. The center is also unique in providing safe environment, high standard care, cost free medical and legal support, the center plays role in enhancing access to justice by providing extensive guidance and collaboration with the judiciary to streamline administrative procedures related to gender based violence. However, stop center challenged by inadequate resources, lack of knowledge. The study recommends that the center should develop model on data collection and management until the closure of the cases. The study also calls for increased funding to ensure the center employs a sufficient number of skilled training and capacity-building programs for their staff. There is also need for enhanced outreach and awareness campaigns including the launch of more aggressive and focused advertisements to increase visibility of the facility and enhance the effectiveness of the center.
