What is Gender Based Violence? What Does it Have to Do with Doula?

The World Health Organization predicted 1 in 3 women worldwide have gone through Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) that negatively affects women’s physical, mental, sexual, and reproductive health. Gender Based Violence (GBV) that is mostly recognized world wide is IPV or Domestic Violence, however, there are many other forms that affect womxn, girls, and even boys, such as Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C); Teen Dating Violence; Harm Against the LGBTQI+ community; Child, Early, and Forced Marriage/Union (CEFMU). Doulas play a big role in prevention at all levels (primary to quaternary) especially during the time of pregnancy, childbirth, and post-partum (including breastfeeding) for womxn and girls by screening and referring clients to appropriate services as the commitment to offer continuous support and strengthen care coordination between healthcare and social services – addressing holistic needs and preferences of clients potentially linked to not only clients satisfactions but also improved maternal & child health outcomes and quality of life.