Assessment of Vulnerability of Women to Gender Based Violence (GBV) in Mekelle City, Tigray

Abstract

Motivation to conduct this research is my professional experience as witnessing difficult cases and personal interest to contribute my part on GBV. This study assesses the vulnerability of women to gender-based violence (GBV) in Mekelle City, Tigray, during and after the Tigray war. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from 391 women aged 15–49 through structured interviews and surveys, supplemented by key informant interviews with professionals from healthcare and humanitarian sectors. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS version 26. The findings reveal a 100% prevalence of GBV, with emotional abuse (100%), sexual violence (91%), and economic abuse (89.3%) being the most commonly reported forms. Perpetrators included soldiers (67.5%), friends (77.7%), and family members (43.2%), with violence predominantly occurring at home (67.8%) and during transportation (38.1%). War (100%), power imbalances (77.7%), and harmful societal norms (70.1%) were the primary contributing factors. The consequences of GBV were severe, with all respondents reporting psychological distress, including PTSD (100%), depression (100%), and stigma (88.5%), alongside physical injuries (100%) and reproductive health complications. Despite the availability of healthcare services (89.3%) and victim assistance programs (91%), barriers such as social stigma and lack of awareness persist. The study underscores the urgent need for trauma-informed interventions, community education, legal reforms, and strengthened support systems to protect survivors and prevent GBV in post-conflict settings.