Gendered Realities: Evaluating GBV Services for Syrian Refugees in Lebanon Amid Forced Displacement and Migration
Assma Jihad Awkal, MA in Migration Studies and Graduate Researcher, Lebanese American University
Duaa Nooreddine, MA in Migration Studies Student, Lebanese American University and Research Fellow at the Institute of Migration Studies
The Syrian refugee population in Lebanon stands out as one of the largest concentrations of refugees per capita globally, with more than 1.5 million residing, where Syrian female migrants represent 50.5% of the population in the country. The multifaceted crisis has not only heightened existing protection risks but has also exacerbated VAW in a time where the prevalence of GBV among refugees/migrants is alarmingly high.
According to the recent GBV Information Management System (IMS) Task Force report, 86% of displaced Syrians in Lebanon have experienced GBV, with women and girls making up 98% of the reported cases. This disproportionate exposure results from patriarchal structures, power dynamics, and limited access to GBV services. Notably, GBV incidents remain significantly underreported due to fear, self-blame, and distrust in authorities. In 2019, only 30% of the sector’s funding targets were met, further limiting service provision.
Despite progress in Lebanon’s GBV legal framework, including Law No. 293/2014 on Domestic Violence and Law No. 164/2011 on Human Trafficking, substantial gaps persist. These laws fail to address the GBV faced by unmarried women and refugees, while weak enforcement and resource constraints undermine their effectiveness. Social stigma also discourages survivors from seeking support, particularly in mental health reporting (Barada et al.)
Cultural norms in Lebanon pose formidable challenges for Syrian refugees seeking GBV-related services, creating a web of obstacles that hinder the ability of survivors to access crucial support. Samari et al.’s research highlights the pervasive “social stigma” surrounding GBV, contributing to a climate of fear where women are reluctant to report abuse due to the potential for blame within their communities. The UN Women’s report “Women’s Refugee Status and Access to Justice in Lebanon” delves into how traditional gender roles can compound these challenges, emphasizing cultural norms prioritizing family honor and reinforcing female submissiveness.
Moreover, restrictions on women’s mobility add another layer of difficulty. While the study was initially conducted in Jordan, this issue resonates with cultural beliefs also relevant in Lebanon. Refugee women’s requirement to seek permission from male family members limits their autonomy and impedes their ability to reach support centers independently.
The intersection of disability adds complexity to the GBV landscape, with 14% of Syrian refugees in Lebanon living with a disability (VASyR). However, only 1% of GBV incidents in 2023 involved persons with disabilities, signaling a critical gap in service access and reporting for this vulnerable group.
Similarly, forced and early marriages continue to affect young girls, with 95% of forced marriage cases in 2023 involving girls, a 26% increase from 2022. The economic pressures exacerbate this issue, pushing families to resort to harmful traditional practices.
In the realm of service provision for GBV survivors among Syrian refugees in Lebanon, the data for the first half of 2023 reveals several key patterns and challenges. Psychosocial Support (PSS) emerges as the primary service requested and received; however, field consultations indicate a notable gap in specialized mental health services provided by psychiatrists and psychologists.
Health services, including Clinical Management of Rape (CMR), have been accessed by 14% of all recorded survivors of GBV. Decreased funding poses challenges, particularly in covering fees for forensic doctors, impacting cases of IPV involving physical and sexual assaults. Timely reporting of incidents, especially sexual violence, is crucial, as 43% of incidents are reported after one month of the event, emphasizing the need for increased efforts to enhance reporting and ensure timely access to health services.
Security and law enforcement services account for the highest percentage of declined referrals by GBV survivors, reaching 37% in 2023. Fear of stigmatization, lack of trust, and the risks associated with reporting, such as potential arrest or deportation to Syria, contribute to survivors refraining from accessing security or police stations. Similarly, legal assistance services constitute the second-highest percentage of declined referrals (36% in 2023), persisting from 2022 due to increased legal representation fees and the socioeconomic crisis’s impact on funding.
Despite strides in community sensitization, significant challenges persist in accessing services, particularly for women and girls facing GBV. Harmful traditional practices, including child marriage and intimate partner violence, remain embedded, with homes considered the most unsafe places. Public spaces also pose risks of sexual harassment and violence. GBV, while experienced everywhere, continues to be underreported in Lebanon. Facilitating safe and confidential services, building trust among survivors, and understanding the needs of vulnerable groups, including those with disabilities and diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, are ongoing challenges.
The compounded crises of Lebanon, including socioeconomic, political, and humanitarian issues, further marginalize Syrian refugees, leaving them particularly vulnerable to GBV. Unsafe home environments and public spaces continue to be the primary settings for GBV incidents, with sexual harassment and intimate partner violence prevalent.
Barriers to accessing shelters, compounded by unstandardized admission criteria and the lack of exit strategies for income generation, leave survivors without long-term or sustainable support. Cultural norms and stigmatization surrounding GBV survivors remain persistent challenges that hamper efforts to create a protective environment for those in need.
GBV organizations actively engage in comprehensive reporting mechanisms to monitor and identify emerging trends, enabling them to tailor new services in response to the evolving landscape of GBV among Syrian refugees in Lebanon. This involves meticulous analysis of the data and detected patterns, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of the challenges survivors face. Moreover, these organizations conduct regular closed-door meetings with partner organizations, fostering collaboration and deepening insights into the realities on the ground. Yet, despite these efforts, critical issues related to the specific context of Lebanon remain that require greater attention and targeted interventions. The complexity of Lebanon’s multi-layered crisis demands a contextualized approach, considering the unique challenges posed by the overlapping social, economic, and political instabilities.
In conclusion, the plight of Syrian refugees in Lebanon highlights the consequences of the intersecting crises faced by displaced populations, where GBV emerges as a pervasive threat, particularly impacting women and girls. Lebanon’s complex socioeconomic, political, and humanitarian challenges exacerbate vulnerabilities, creating barriers to accessing essential GBV services. The data presented underscores critical patterns and challenges in GBV service provisions. While progress has been made in legal frameworks and service coordination, implementation challenges persist, compounded by societal norms, cultural barriers, and resource constraints. The stigmatization of survivors further inhibits help-seeking behavior, perpetuating a cycle of violence and silence. Moving forward, efforts must focus on bridging gaps in service provision, enhancing awareness, challenging harmful norms, and empowering survivors to access support. A comprehensive and equitable approach to GBV service provision is essential to ensure the safety, well-being, and dignity of all individuals affected by displacement in Lebanon.