Assessment of the Contribution of One Stop Center to Reduce Gender Based Violence in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania.

Gender Based Violence (GBV) continues to prevail in Tanzania and it is among the major cause of violation of human right. This study assessed the contribution of One Stop Center (OSC) to reduce GBV in Shinyanga Region, Tanzania. Specifically, it identified the type of cases that were being reported, services offered and how they contribute direct to GBV reduction in the region. It also examined female GBV survivors’ opinions regarding obstacles that are resulting to other women not to access services at OSC and community awareness on existing OSC and their function. Lastly, the study identifies the main challenges facing OSC and how they impact service delivery. The study employed qualitative and quantitative research methods to incorporate all respondents’ opinions. The study adopted case study design and three OSC were selected. 96 female GBV survivors constituted the sample size of respondents and were given questionnaire to complete. The respondent reached through semi structured interview involved 17 key informants who included 8 female GBV survivors, 5 OSC staff as well as 4 community members obtained through random sampling. Results showed, (48.4%) of respondents reported physical violence at Shyinyanga referral and (45.5%) at Nindo OSC. Sexual violence was highly reported at Kahama OSC with (40.7%). All reported clients received services at OSC. It was revealed, the majority of community members being unware of OSC as the main hindering factor for access services at OSC. Lastly, the study recommends that, local and central government to make sure OSC are well funded in terms of staffing, tools and motivation. Key world: Gender Based Violence, Gender, Violence, One Stop Center, Shinyanga