Barriers in service delivery to victims of gender based violence in Tanzania: a case study of public institutions in Kibaha district council

This study examines barriers in service delivery to Gender Based Violence (GBV) victims in Tanzania with focus on public institutions in Kibaha district council. The main objective of the study was to find the extent of GBV and factors impeding the service delivery to GBV victims. The specific objectives were to assess the extent of GBV, to analyze services rendered to GBV victims by public institutions, to explore challenges encountered by GBV victims, to examine challenges encountered by supportive institutions providing services to GBV victims and to assess initiatives taken to address challenges in provision of services to GBV victims. To achieve the mentioned objectives the “feminist theory” and “theory of change for tackling violence against women and girls” were used to guide the study. Methodologically the study employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Different methods of data collection were used including interviews and focus group discussions while questionnaires, interview guides and checklist of questions were used as tools for primary data collection. Moreover, secondary data was collected from books, journals, articles and websites. The study findings show that, GBV victims faced different geographical, cultural and structural barriers in accessing services at public institutions. Furthermore, the findings noted that these barriers reduce the reporting tendency and hence increases the after - effects to GBV victims and GBV incidences in general. Based on the findings, the study recommends that, the government should ensure the services for GBV victims are available and accessible. In addition, the government should ensure that, there is proper coordination between service providers to improve services provided to GBV victims.