Gender-based violence (GBV) is increasingly recognised as a problem in Jordan, nevertheless, given the complex and sensitive nature of the issue and the still weak legal framework to protect women’s rights, many forms of discrimination and violence are unlikely to be reported. The psychological and emotional needs of women and girls who have experienced GBV have been overlooked for far too long and require immediate attention. Health care providers are often among the few who have routine contact with most adult women and are strategically able to identify women with GBV experience. They face many diseases such as chronic pain or recurrent sexually transmitted infections that are difficult to treat without taking into account that these women live in violent conditions. Many women do not reveal their experiences, and well-trained healthcare providers can be the first port of call for survivors who want to face their situation and seek help. Health care providers are able to view violence as a health problem, which can be a starting point for women to reflect and less accept their attitudes towards the violence they are subjected to.
Hudara has therefore produced a resource guide for the training of health professionals in Jordan, in which contents of basic training, continuing education courses, and materials for use in this area has been compiled. This will help to structure a capacity building program that will strengthen the role of primary health-care workers to provide psychosocial support for survivors of GBV.