Gender Based Violence is a significant problem in Uganda. The National Survey on Violence in Uganda (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2021) reported that 95% of women had experienced physical and/or sexual violence. In 2021, Seven in ten  women who had suffered sexual violence neither sought help nor told anyone (Uganda Bureau of Statistics, 2018). Globally, fewer than one in ten women who seek assistance after experiencing violence go to the police (UN Women, 2021). Gender based violence is a very emotive topic and a sensitive and holistic approach is required to help the patient on their journey to recovery. Here we hear an account from the BCH community team on how one such patient was managed.

Recovery from gender based violence inflicted-suffering: A journey aided by of integrated
healthcare, psychosocial support, and community compassion

Brenda, a 17-year-old girl from Kanyashande Village in Buhoma Town Council, has walked a
long and painful road marked by violence, rejection, and despair. Yet today, she stands as a beacon
of courage and hope — a living testimony of how care, compassion, and psychosocial support can
rebuild a life once shattered by trauma. Brenda’s early life was filled with suffering. Her parents
separated when she was only 13 years old because of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) at home.
Left under the care of her abusive father, Brenda faced constant fear and mistreatment. One fateful
night, she was chased away from home with her younger brother. As they sought refuge, a young
man took advantage of her vulnerability and raped her, leading to an unwanted pregnancy.

When her pregnancy was discovered, Brenda’s world fell apart. She was expelled from school and
rejected by her own father, who demanded that she either terminate the pregnancy or face death.
Refusing to harm her unborn child, Brenda fled to her grandmother’s home, where she was
welcomed with kindness and shelter. But as the pregnancy progressed, the lack of support and
basic needs forced her to return home, only to face more violence from her stepmother. The abuse
caused her to start bleeding, putting both her and her unborn baby’s lives at risk. Concerned
neighbors intervened and took her to Bwindi Community Hospital (BCH), where the Sexual and
Reproductive Health (SRH) team provided her with antenatal care, a medical scan, and full
financial support for her treatment.

When her situation at home worsened, the hospital admitted her to the Mothers’ Waiting Home, where she stayed for two months until she safely delivered a healthy baby boy. After delivery, Brenda was referred to the Community Health and Mental Health teams, who offered her psychosocial support to help her heal emotionally and rebuild her life. Through consistent counselling and follow-up, Brenda was finally reunited with her mother, who
now provides love and support for both her and her child.

Today, Brenda lives a happy and fulfilling life with her son and mother. Her journey from violence
to healing demonstrates the power of integrated healthcare, psychosocial support, and community
compassion in transforming lives. Brenda’s story reminds us that with the right support, every
survivor of GBV can rise, heal, and reclaim a future filled with hope and dignity.

Brenda after received clothes for her baby boy at Bwindi Community Hospital.