Attachment_6.E_-_USAID_GBV_Analysis.pdf

GENDER-BASED

VIOLENCE ANALYSIS

FOR USAID/HONDURAS

November 2015

This publication was produced for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). It was prepared by Lainie Reisman and Mario Martinez of EnCompass LLC, and Rosibel Gomez and Adela Medina of

Counterpart International through the Advancing the Agenda of Gender Equality (ADVANTAGE) IDIQ.

Prepared for the United States Agency for International Development, USAID Contract Number SOL- 522-15-000006

December 2015

Implemented by:

EnCompass LLC 1451 Rockville Pike, Suite 600 Rockville, MD, 20852

Phone: +1 301-287-8700 Fax: +1 301-685-3720 www.encompassworld.com

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

ANALYSIS FOR

USAID/HONDURAS

DISCLAIMER

The authors' views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) or the United States Government.

Advancing the Agenda of Gender Equality (ADVANTAGE)

Advancing the Agenda of Gender Equality (ADVANTAGE) seeks to strengthen USAID’s capacity to integrate gender equality and women’s empowerment across USAID’s new and ongoing initiatives, programs, performance monitoring and evaluation efforts, and procurements. The Task Order issued by USAID/Honduras through the ADVANTAGE mechanism is order number AID-522-TO-15-00001, funded July 21, 2015 through December 31, 2015. This task order is implemented by EnCompass LLC in collaboration with Counterpart International.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS i

CONTENTS

ACRONYMS ...................................................................................................................................................... III

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INITIAL OVERVIEW

USAID/HONDURAS BACKGROUND

INTRODUCTION TO GBV

GBV AND CHRONIC VIOLENCE IN HONDURAS

LEGAL, POLICY, AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK TO ADDRESS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

SCHOOL-RELATED GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

DESCRIPTIONS OF METHODOLOGIES USED

OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY

ANALYSIS TEAM AND ROLES

DESCRIPTION OF DATA ANALYSIS AND STEPS TO VALIDATE THE DATA

DATA COLLECTION VALIDATION OVERVIEW

QUANTITIAVE DATA

QUALITATIVE DATA

KEY INFORMANT INTERVIEWS

FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS – GBV HOUSEHOLD / COMMUNITY LEVEL

BACKGROUND: SOCIAL, DEMOGRAPHIC, AND ECONOMIC CHARACTERISTICS OF WOMEN SURVEYED

TYPES OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

CAUSES OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

CONSEQUENCES OF GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

GROUPS MOST VULNERABLE TO GBV

APPROACHES, SERVICES, AND INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES TO GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

FINDINGS AND DIAGNOSIS - GBV IN SCHOOLS

SCHOOL-RELATED GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE (SRGBV)

MINI STUDENT SURVEY (MSS) DATA -

RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USAID .................................................................................. ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED.

PROGRAMMATIC CONSIDERATIONS

GLOSSARY OF TECHNICAL TERMS

COMPREHENSIVE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY

ANNEXES

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS ii

LIST OF EXHIBITS

EXHIBIT 1: GBV AT THE HOUSEHOLD/COMMUNITY LEVEL – QUANTITATIVE DATA

EXHIBIT 2: SCHOOL-RELATED GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE - QUANTITATIVE DATA

EXHIBIT 3: OVERVIEW OF RECOMMENDATIONS FOR USAID

EXHIBIT 4: HONDURAS HOMICIDE RATE 2009-2015 (AS OF JUNE 2015)

EXHIBIT 5: HONDURAS – WOMEN’S HOMICIDES 2005-2014

EXHIBIT 6: WOMEN AND MEN HOMICIDE RATES 2005-2013

EXHIBIT 7: CRITICAL PATH OF INSTITUTIONAL SERVICES FOR VICTIMS OF GBV

EXHIBIT 8: GBV ANALYSIS TEAM

EXHIBIT 9: SAMPLE SIZE CALCULATION

EXHIBIT 10: HOUSEHOLD SURVEY: QUESTIONNAIRES PER MUNICIPALITY

EXHIBIT 11: STUDENT MINI SURVEY: QUESTIONNAIRES PER MUNICIPALITY

EXHIBIT 12: KII BREAKDOWN BY SECTOR

EXHIBIT 13: KII BREAKDOWN BY MUNICIPALITY

EXHIBIT 14: TYPES OF GBV AND VICTIMIZATION FREQUENCY

EXHIBIT 15: TYPES OF VIOLENCE AND PREVALENCE ACCORDING TO DATA COLLECTION METHODOLOGY EXHIBIT 16: FACTORS RELATED TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AT DIFFERENT LEVELS OF THE SOCIAL ECOLOGY MODEL ... 37

EXHIBIT 17: FIVE MAIN CAUSES OF THE GBV ACCORDING TO THE STUDY RESEARCH METHODS

EXHIBIT 18: FIVE MAIN CONSEQUENCES OF GBV ACCORDING TO RESEARCH METHODS OF THE STUDY

EXHIBIT 19: WHO SUFFERS THE MOST FROM GBV IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

EXHIBIT 20: INSTITUTIONS THAT RESPOND TO GBV, BASED ON FGD AND WS RESPONSES

EXHIBIT 21: OBSERVATIONS ON EFFICACY AND EFFICIENCY OF GBV INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSES (IN ORDER OF

IMPORTANCE)

EXHIBIT 22: TYPES OF GBV REPORTED TO BE COMMITTED AGAINST GIRLS IN SCHOOLS

EXHIBIT 23: TYPES OF GBV REPORTED TO BE COMMITTED AGAINST GIRLS IN SCHOOLS

EXHIBIT 24: WHO SUFFERS THE MOST FROM THE ACTS OF VIOLENCE IN SCHOOLS?

EXHIBIT 25: TO WHOM DO GIRLS COMPLAIN ABOUT VIOLENCE BY BOYS?

EXHIBIT 26: SCHOOL RESPONSES TO PERPETRATORS OF GBV

EXHIBIT 27: EXISTENCE OF WRITTEN SCHOOL POLICIES ON VIOLENCE

EXHIBIT 28: SCHOOL PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND SAFETY

EXHIBIT 29: GBV RECOMMENDATIONS REFERENCED TO USAID IRS AND SECTOR FOCUS .........ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT

DEFINED.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS iii

ACRONYMS

ADS Automated Directives System

ADVANTAGE Advancing the Agenda of Gender Equality

ATIC Agencia Technica de Investigacion Criminal (Technical Agency for Criminal Investigation

CAPRODEM Center for Support and Protection of Women's Rights

CARSI Central American Regional Security Initiative

CDCS Country Development Cooperation Strategy

CSO civil society organization

DINAF Bureau of the Child, Adolescent and Family

DO Development Objective

DV domestic violence

FGD Focus Group Discussion

GBV Gender-based violence

GOH Government of Honduras

INAM Instituto Nacional de la Mujer (National Institute for Women)

IR Intermediate Result

KII Key Informant Interview

LGBT lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender

MAI Modelo de Atencion Integrada (Comprehensive Care Model)

MSS mini-student survey

MP Ministerio Publico (Public Ministry)

M&E monitoring and evaluation

NGO nongovernmental organization

OJ Organismo Judicial (Judiciary)

OMM Oficinas Municipales de la Mujer (Municipal Womens Offices)

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS iv

PEPFAR U.S. President's Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief

PICSC Policy of Coexistence and Citizen Security

PMOP Policia Militar del Orden Publico (Military Public Order Police)

SOW Statement of Work

SEPOL Police Statistics System

SRGBV School-related gender-based violence

UN United Nations

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

USAID United States Agency for International Development

VAW(G) violence against women (and girls)

WHO World Health Organization

WS Women's Household Survey

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Gender-based Violence (GBV) Analysis for USAID/Honduras (hereinafter: GBV Analysis) was conducted between August and December 2015 by a four-person technical team, fielded by EnCompass LLC and its partner Counterpart International, supplemented by a robust quantitative data collection team organized by ANED Consultores (hereinafter: GBV Team). Specific objectives of the GBV Analysis included: 1) complete time-sensitive primary research in the field, relying on research methodologies, such as survey research, focus groups, individual interviews, and other methods as appropriate, in order to identify and analyze the most common forms, incidence, and causes of GBV in target communities;

and 2) make recommendations for strategic investments by USAID/Honduras that would potentially decrease levels of GBV.

The GBV Team developed, tested, and applied a mixed method data collection plan with five key components: 1) extensive literature review; 2) women household survey (WS); 3) mini student survey (MSS); 4) focus group discussions (FGDs) with target groups; and 5) key informant interviews (KII). Data collection was conducted in the municipalities of Choloma, La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa, and Tela and, more specifically, in communities targeted by USAID under its Central American Regional Security Initiative (CARSI). Significant effort was taken to ensure the fidelity of the data collection process, and to validate both quantitative and qualitative data. Regarding the women household survey, the sample (800 women) was designed so that findings are statistically valid for the entire population comprised of the neighborhoods targeted in the selected municipalities.

The basic hypothesis of the GBV Team is summarized as follows: While there is a clear recognition of a high incidence of street-level (or gang) violence in the targeted communities in Honduras, the prevalence and impact of GBV also permeate these communities, although not adequately acknowledged or addressed by diverse actors. The findings of the GBV Analysis clearly and consistently supported the team’s hypothesis.

FINDINGS REGARDING GBV AT THE HOUSEHOLD/COMMUNITY

LEVEL:

The diversity of findings related to GBV at the household/community level is difficult to summarize given the extensive data collected. However, the GBV team considers the below some of the most relevant findings:

1. Individual GBV victimization is largely normalized and disregarded, notwithstanding a collective recognition of the pervasiveness of GBV in all its forms – GBV is a common occurrence in the surveyed community, with 40 percent of women surveyed admitting to having suffered some form of GBV. This number is likely to be under-stated, as it is common for individual respondents to deny victimization.

While 40 percent of the individual respondents of the women survey admitted to suffering from

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 2

GBV, members of the focus groups and key informant interview respondents consistently reported on the universality of GBV victimization. The GBV Analysis Team posits that women in the selected Honduran communities, following the global trend, tend to minimize or deny the violence that they suffer personally, which is likely related to a pervasive patriarchal culture, widespread machismo, fear of gang retaliation, and limited awareness regarding GBV. These factors tend to minimize the impact, reporting, and sanctioning of GBV, and are reinforced by lack of prioritization by the Honduran government.

2. Prevalence of types of GBV varies by data source and location – Data from the women surveys indicate that psychological violence was the most common (37 percent responded yes to having suffered from GBV), followed by economic violence (17 percent), physical violence (10 percent), and finally sexual violence (8 percent). These data contrast with the findings from the focus group discussions, in which physical violence was cited in 100 percent of the FGDs, followed by psychological violence (86 percent), sexual violence (79 percent), and economic violence (43 percent). Finally, key informant interviews most frequently cited physical violence (83 percent), followed by psychological violence (76 percent), and economic and sexual violence (61 percent). These data lend further credibility to the belief that women on an individual basis deny physical and sexual violence, although they tend to be much more comfortable talking about it in a group setting. In addition to data sources, types of violence vary by location. For example, reports of sexual violence, particularly against children, were much more common in the communities of La Ceiba and Tela.

3. Children suffer greatly from GBV, both as direct victims and in terms of witnessing GBV in the home – After women, girls and boys are noted as being the most likely to suffer from GBV. They are also typically the witnesses to GBV against their mothers, with close to 25 percent of GBV cases in the home witnessed by the child. The longstanding negative impact on children is widely recognized, as put by one respondent “The most terrible thing is that, not only no importance is given to the issue of violence against women, which is for the present generation, but neither to the future generation who are the children. No one focuses on what is important to assess: the multi-generational impact.” Unfortunately, the government institutions to care for children (e.g. DINAF) are under-resourced to fulfill the regulatory and service mandate.

4. Institutional responses to GBV are woefully inadequate – With regards to institutional responses to GBV, respondents were overwhelmingly critical. Vast majority (93 percent) of FGD participants commented that authorities “do nothing,” 71 percent stated that “complaints result in nothing,” 50 percent expressed having “no confidence in the police,” and 36 percent reflected “you see, you listen, and you keep quiet.” The main criticisms of the institutional responses include insufficient institutional capacity, lack of resources, inexistence of services, work overload, corruption and lack of political will, lack of specific training on GBV, lack of logistics, slow processes, lack of credibility, and lack of sustainability. Specific feedback regarding

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 3

the key sectors (judiciary, public prosecution, police, health services, municipal services, and community responses) is detailed in the body of the report.

The below chart summarizes some of the main quantitative data findings of the Women’s Survey (WS).

Exhibit 1: GBV at the Household/Community Level – Quantitative Data

Perpetrators of

GBV

Domestic partners (57%), family members (17%), neighbors (14%), others (12%)

Location of GBV Home (84%), street, workplace, and other (16%) Witnesses of GBV None (43%), male children (26%), female children (24%) Victims confiding in others

51% shared experience (mostly to a female family member or a friend) 49% kept silent (lack of trust, shame, fear of blame, nothing could be done)

Causes GBV Patriarchal culture, machismo, drug/alcohol abuse, lack of family role models, unemployment, poverty, misinformation on GBV, lack of security, family disintegration, lack of opportunities

Consequences

GBV

Family disintegration, intergenerational violence, emotional problems for victims, household poverty, migration, teen pregnancy, youth looking for refuge outside of homes and recruited into gangs

Vulnerable groups Women, girls, boys, youth

FINDINGS REGARDING SCHOOL-RELATED GENDER-BASED

VIOLENCE (SRGBV):

The main findings related to GBV in the schools came largely from the mini student survey, which was administered to a total of 598 students (male and female representing Grades 7 to 12) from 14 schools in the targeted communities, supplemented by focus groups held with teachers and key informant interviews. Main findings include the following:

1. High prevalence of harassment by teachers, including sexual harassment – Harassment by teachers was considered commonplace and normalized by teachers and students alike. As put by one young woman in Choloma, “Harassment is common and constant – apparently there is no remedy. Teachers have no shame and blame girls, they also threaten us with our grades.”

Another student noted “Teachers are also abusing and harassing young girls, it is normal. Teachers always touch.”

2. Infiltration of organized criminal groups and youth gangs into all schools, often using technology – All schools in the survey noted the presence of gang operations within the school grounds. Cyber-bulling and sexting were mentioned by different informants, as was the sending of photos of schoolgirls to be recruited (or forced) into prostitution, known as “prepago.” Teachers repeatedly admitted their fear of gang-involved students with documented cases of teachers and school managers being threatened and in some cases even killed.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 4

According to a respondent in Tela, “The criminals have their tentacles everywhere in schools, they threaten teachers, students, and parents. There are sales of drugs, prepagos, and prostitution all over.”

3. Recognition that violence in the household is a major factor in SRGBV – Multiple respondents directly link violence in the home, street, and school. For example, an FGD participant in Tegucigalpa noted that, “Violence is something we get from the house and then is reinforced in the school.” Initiatives promoted by the Ministry of Education to work with parents, for example the Escuelas para Padres (Parents Schools) are roundly criticized for not achieving measurable results.

The below chart summarizes some of the main quantitative data findings of mini student survey.

Exhibit 2: School-related Gender-based Violence - Quantitative Data

Types of SRGBV (boys against girls)

Mockery (64%), insults (48%), touching of private parts (25%), throwing items (24%)

Types of SRGBV (girls against boys)

Insults (54%), mockery (46%), throwing items (27%), kicking/hitting (20%)

Most common victims Girls (48%), boys (33%), girls with special needs (29%), poorest girls (27%), poorest boys (24%)

GBV reported to whom School counselor (63%), teacher/principal (39%), coach (27%) Disciplinary action taken (if any)

Call to parents (71%), punished in school (41%), suspension (32%), expulsion (24%)

School policy on GBV Yes (65%), No (19%), Don’t know (16%) Safe bathrooms No (60%), Yes (39%), Don’t know (1%) School as a safe place Overall Yes (64%), No (36%) – the worst rankings in San Pedro

Sula: Yes (45%) No (55%) Whom do students fear? Gangs and delinquent groups (68%), school staff (24%)

RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations for USAID are presented below in Exhibit 3 in the context of the USAID/Honduras Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS), which envisions a more prosperous and safer Honduras that advances inclusive social and economic development among vulnerable populations.

They are aligned with the intended results USAID/Honduras as outlined in Development Objective 1, and the sector focus of Citizen Security, Democracy and Governance and Education.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 5

Exhibit 3: Overview of Recommendations for USAID

Recommendation Background

1. Encourage GOH and work with relevant agencies to fully implement existing policies and laws and provide adequate funding to institutions tasked with GBV mitigation

The most pressing priority is for the GOH to implement the existing policies and laws, and provide adequate funding in order to strengthen the institutions tasked with preventing and responding to GBV. Justice sector operators and service providers must be available, trained and equipped to prevent and respond to GBV cases, with particular attention paid to outreach work at the local or community level.

2. Increase support to government institutions that address GBV

The institutions that work on GBV are woefully under-resourced and have little to no decentralized presence at the community level. USAID directed resources and programs can build the capacity of the health sector, municipal government, and institutions serving vulnerable populations.

3. Provide support, recognition and capacity building to women’s groups (at all levels) that work on GBV issues

Aside from the police, the only groups operating at the community level tend to be women’s groups, which have been plagued by a reduction in donor funding. There is an urgent need to support these grassroots organizations, particularly in communities that display high levels of violence and GBV.

4. Encourage GOH and the Ministry of Education to implement existing laws and policies, and design new ones, to protect children and youth in schools

USAID can support efforts to implement a comprehensive policy to prevent and address SRGBV by engaging teachers, students, parents, community leaders, law enforcement, health sector, and local government. It should include training for teachers and school management, design and implementation of communication, planning after-school activities, supportive counseling and coaching services, among others.

5. Support the GOH in developing programs to help schools address

SRGBV

Most school counselors do not have significant training, nor external support. Punishments often reinforce the cycle of violence. USAID can support the school system in supporting a program of counseling services or referral services for both victims and offenders.

6. Support in-depth research and monitor GBV (and

SRGBV)

Little solid research has been done on GBV or SRGBV in Honduras that could help determine the factors that drive violence. More extensive and in-depth research would support change and decision making on all levels.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 6

Recommendation Background

7. Design innovative strategies to raise awareness on SRGBV, particularly with parents

Innovative strategies must be designed and promoted, taking into account the reality of caregivers to engage in their children’s school, and looking for ways to incentivize and simplify parental involvement.

8. Develop and support programs for awareness raising and behavior change

GBV is highly stigmatized and underreported due to fear, acceptance, and a lack of confidence in institutions and availability of services. Awareness campaigns that focus on positive behavior change can help shift the attitude towards GBV. A key strategy is working with men and boys to change their views of masculinity.

In addition to these recommendations, the team also offers additional programmatic considerations for USAID, other donors and other stakeholders working on GBV and violence in Honduras. These include:

• Ensure balance between emphasis on gang violence and violence at the household level (GBV)

• Explicitly build GBV components into all violence prevention programming

• Recognize and address multiple victimization factors (e.g., disability, ethnic or racial discrimination, poverty, LGBTI)

• Make the GOH aware of the risks of overloading teachers with responsibilities given their vulnerability to threats in the community

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 7

INITIAL OVERVIEW

USAID/HONDURAS BACKGROUND

The Gender-based Violence (GBV) Analysis for USAID/Honduras (hereinafter: GBV Analysis) was conducted between August and December 2015 by a four-person technical team, supplemented by a robust quantitative data collection team (hereinafter: GBV Team).

USAID/Honduras is in a project design phase of its new Country Development Cooperation Strategy (CDCS) for 2014 to 2019. The proposed goal for this new strategy is: “A more prosperous and safer Honduras that advances inclusive social and economic development among vulnerable populations.” To achieve this goal, USAID/Honduras proposed two overarching Development Objectives (DOs). DO1 is:

“Citizen Security increased for vulnerable populations in urban, high-crime areas” and DO2 is “Extreme poverty sustainably reduced for vulnerable populations in Western Honduras.” In keeping with the Agency policy, USAID/Honduras had conducted a gender analysis at the CDCS level.

As Honduras is considered to be a priority country to prevent gender-based violence, USAID issued a Statement of Work (SOW) with the general objective to produce a report that is an in-depth analysis of GBV issues for DO1 target areas. Specific objectives included: 1) complete time-sensitive primary research in the field, relying on research methodologies, such as survey research, focus groups, individual interviews, and other methods as appropriate, in order to identify and analyze the most common forms, incidence, and causes of GBV in target communities; and 2) make recommendations for strategic investments by USAID/Honduras that would potentially decrease levels of GBV.

EnCompass LLC, along with partners Counterpart International and ANED Consultores, was selected to carry out the analysis.

The following sub-sections of this chapter are derived from the detailed literature review conducted by the GBV Analysis Team and presented in Annex A, including all source references.

INTRODUCTION TO GBV

In 2012, the US Government issued the following definition of gender-based violence.

Violence that is directed at an individual based on biological sex, gender identity, or perceived adherence to socially defined norms of masculinity and femininity. It includes physical, sexual, and psychological abuse; threats; coercion; arbitrary deprivation of liberty; and economic deprivation, whether occurring in public or private life.

Gender-based violence takes on many forms and can occur throughout the life cycle. Types of gender-based violence can include female infanticide; child sexual abuse; sex trafficking and forced labor; sexual

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 8

coercion and abuse; neglect; domestic violence; elder abuse; and harmful traditional practices such as early and forced marriage, “honor” killings, and female genital mutilation/cutting.

Women and girls are the most at risk and most affected by gender-based violence. Consequently, the terms “violence against women” and “gender-based violence” are often used interchangeably. However, boys and men can also experience gender-based violence, as can sexual and gender minorities.

Regardless of the target, gender-based violence is rooted in structural inequalities between men and women and is characterized by the use and abuse of physical, emotional, or financial power and control.

The United Nations (UN) Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women adds that gender-based violence is “a term that connects all acts of violence rooted in some form of ‘patriarchal ideology,’ and can thus be committed against both women and men by women and men with the purpose of maintaining social power for (heterosexual) men.” Within this construct, vulnerable and marginalized groups – such as lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) communities, people with disabilities, or indigenous populations – are particularly at risk. Further, as the US Government and the UN, acknowledge the vulnerability of youth in an education setting, school-related gender-based violence (SRGBV) serves as a specialized category and area for study and advocacy.

Though there are differences across cultures and countries, all societies tend to confer a higher social value on men than women and a range of norms and powers derive from this. As such, GBV can be understood as the use of power to enforce gender norms that set forth expectations for the roles men and women play in society. Power inequalities can increase women’s and girls’ risks of abuse, violent relationships and exploitation, for example, due to economic dependency and limited survival and income-earning options, or discrimination under the law as it relates to marriage, divorce, and child custody rights. Poverty can exacerbate risks for gender-based violence for women, especially for intimate partner violence. Furthermore, it is a contributing factor in girls’ vulnerability to sexual exploitation and early pregnancy, which, in turn, can lead to child marriage. Conflict and volatility in countries or regions are other contributing factors. In the Central American context instability fuels, and is fueled by, the overwhelmingly masculine gang culture where conforming to dominant notions of masculinity, including violence and rape against women and girls, is critical to be accepted in the gang. In addition, women and girls are being raped and sexually assaulted by gang members to pressure them into drug trafficking or threatened with rape in an effort to extort money.

GBV AND CHRONIC VIOLENCE IN HONDURAS

Gender-based violence has an impact on all women regardless of race, class, or age. It has more serious consequences on women living in situations that increase their discrimination, such as poverty, belonging to a socially excluded community, living with HIV, having a disability, or being within certain age ranges (children, adolescents, youth, or older adults). Gender-based violence is supported by cultural, social, political, economic, religious, and other patterns and practices that reproduce inequality and gender discrimination.

National Plan for Gender Equality and Equity of Honduras 2010-2022

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 9

Honduras, plagued by widespread violence, recently had the dubious distinction of topping the list of the most violent countries in the world (based on homicide data) having reached epidemic levels according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The degree of the challenge, and its impact on the country’s economy and global standing, has led to the review and reformulation of the national policy framework, including adoption of new approaches to better respond to the problem. Since taking office in January 2014, the government of Juan Orlando Hernandez has focused its efforts on a renewed militarization of the security forces, centralization of intelligence and security authorities, and public support for prevention activities.

It is important to note that, according to recent data from the Police Statistics System (SEPOL) and the Security Ministry, the national average murder rate has dropped in the past 2 years. In 2014 it stood at 68 homicides per 100,000, as compared to 2011 when it reached 86.5 homicides per 100,000 (see Exhibit 4), although many civil society organizations question the validity of these data.1 Note that since detailed data on other violent acts that highly affect Honduran society, such as extortion and GBV, are not available, it is difficult to measure the true state of affairs.

Exhibit 4: Honduras Homicide Rate 2009-2015 (as of June 2015)

* Year 2015 data are preliminary and it corresponds to cumulative information from January to June 2015.

The killing of women and girls (sometimes referred to as women’s homicides, femicides, or feminicides) has increased exponentially in Honduras in recent years. Exhibit 5 below shows that between 2002 and

1 Data from Police Statistical Department (SEPOL) estimates that Homicide Rate as for Nov 2015 is 57. 96 and the cumulative number of homicides until Nov 30, 2015 is 4,674 (https://www.sepol.hn/artisistem/images/sepol-images/files/Reporte%20Mensual%20Homicidios%20Noviembre%202015.pdf).

5,265 6,239 7,104 7,172 6,757 5,936

66.8

77.5

86.5 85.5

1,000

2,000

3,000

4,000

5,000

6,000

7,000

8,000

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Number of Homicides Homicide Rate https://www.sepol.hn/artisistem/images/sepol-images/files/Reporte%20Mensual%20Homicidios%20Noviembre%202015.pdf https://www.sepol.hn/artisistem/images/sepol-images/files/Reporte%20Mensual%20Homicidios%20Noviembre%202015.pdf

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 10

2013, the number of registered cases of women’s homicides increased by 363 percent, while for men the increase was 299 percent. Although these numbers decreased slightly for both women and men in the period 2005-2014, the percentage of increment of women´s homicides is higher in each year.

Furthermore, Exhibit 6 provides a comparison between the violent deaths of women in relation to men, showing that between 2005 and 2013, killings of women have been rising steadily from 2.7 to 14.6 per 100,000 inhabitants (decreasing to 11.9 in 2014), while the number of cases among men increased significantly since 2005 to its peak in 2011.

Exhibit 5: Honduras – Women’s Homicides 2005-2014

Source: Memory of the Femicides Forum: An Analysis from the Feminist Movement of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. pp. 8 (based on data from IUDPAS and CDM) Tegucigalpa, Honduras, March 2014.

% of Increment of Homicides by sex

Years Women Men

2005-

363% 299%

2005-

301% 264%

175 202 295 312 363 385 512 606 636 526

2800 2967

6592 6566

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

N um be r o f C as es

Women number of Homicides Men number of homicides

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 11

Exhibit 6: Women and Men Homicide Rates 2005-2013

Source: Memory of the Femicides Forum: An Analysis from the Feminist Movement of Honduras, Tegucigalpa, Honduras. pp. 8 (based on data from IUDPAS and CDM) Tegucigalpa, Honduras, March 2014.

While homicides are the most extreme expression of the problems that the country is experiencing, it is important to mention that other forms of violence are present and have a striking number of cases and victims. With a conviction rate of less than 3 percent for homicides nationwide, the Honduran justice sector is struggling to deal with the most visible forms of violence and has few resources to devote to the much less visible, but more pervasive, forms of violence affecting Hondurans in their day-to-day lives, particularly gender-based violence.

LEGAL, POLICY, AND INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK TO

ADDRESS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

The policy framework for addressing violence in Honduras has historically focused on reactive and containment actions rather than prevention, although recent years have shown a greater emphasis on human security for achieving public safety. In 2011, the Government of Honduras (GOH) made great strides by announcing its Integral Policy of Coexistence and Citizen Security (PICSC) 2011-2022. Among its innovations, this policy proposed a holistic approach to identifying solutions from a human rights perspective and it committed to creating a Security Pact, whereby the government works with public and private sectors, civil society and the population as a whole, to reduce violence at all levels of society.

The PICSC is an important step forward because it recognizes that the problem of violence is multi-causal. For the first time security policies explicitly acknowledged the impact of gender-based violence, 2.7

31.2

6.6

93.1

7.7 8

109.5

9.1

126.2

9.4

147.6

12.3

162.8

14.2

14.6

145.4

11.9

125.6

Women's Homicide Rates Men´s Homicide Rates

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 12

as the PICSC states that the "manifestations of gender and/or domestic violence (since this) becomes elements of production and reproduction of violence and, therefore, represents one of the key variables in the solution of lessening the overall problem."

In terms of specific legislation that addresses GBV, Honduras has two primary instruments, namely the Domestic Violence Law and the Criminal Code, that address domestic violence and interfamily violence, respectively. However, the Honduran legislation does not recognize intimate partner violence and this limited legal framework excludes many common forms of GBV.

While it is true that some progress has been made in the legal and institutional frameworks regarding GBV, there is still an enormous gap in terms of the operationalization and implementation of the above noted laws and policies. While policies have improved, implementation and services have lagged far behind. A report prepared by women's organizations in June 2014 states that ultimately "the problem of access to justice for women lies not in legislation, but in the inadequate implementation by operators of justice."2 Although some steps have been taken towards the construction of public institutions that can respond to the needs of violence survivors, numerous problems still persist, linked primarily to factors such as:

• The centralization of the services that are mostly found in the capital city or in few large/intermediate cities

• Insufficient human resources and/or lack of training and awareness in the subject of gender-based violence, legislation, and application of procedures

• Sexist cultural patterns (based on the macho and patriarchal culture) of service providers and justice officials that tend to blame and re-victimize women

• Low budget allocations for the implementation of plans and actions

• Lack of adequate logistics and a low response capacity.

The above elements contribute to a high degree of impunity for the perpetrators and a greater vulnerability of women’s rights, livelihoods, and indeed their lives. There is an urgent need for adequate training, logistics, resources (both human and financial), and inter-institutional coordination at national and local levels to support implementation. Furthermore, gender must be mainstreamed in all relevant policy analysis, with a greater recognition of the impacts of gender-based violence.

It is also important to mention that recent realignment of government structures has resulted in some major institutional setbacks, such as the loss of line ministry status for the National Institute for Women (INAM).3 In the past, INAM served as a governing body with relevant advocacy role for the rights of

2 Feminist Organizations Report (2014): Status of Violence Against Women in Honduras. Tegucigalpa, Honduras, June 2014 in http://www.derechosdelamujer.org/tl_files/documentos/derechos_humanos/Violence-Women- Honduras-RapporteurONU-June2014.pdf 3“The Special Rapporteur expressed concern that the Institute falls under the Social Development Department, perpetuating the view that violence against women needs to be addressed through a social welfare lens as opposed http://www.derechosdelamujer.org/tl_files/documentos/derechos_humanos/Violence-Women-Honduras-RapporteurONU-June2014.pdf http://www.derechosdelamujer.org/tl_files/documentos/derechos_humanos/Violence-Women-Honduras-RapporteurONU-June2014.pdf

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 13

women, but now has a much lower profile because it has been folded into the Sectorial Cabinet of Inclusion and Social Development. Another hindrance is the transfer of the Femicide Unit (formerly located in the Women’s Prosecutor’s Office) to the Prosecutor for Crimes Against Life, again representing a loss of profile.4 Finally, at the municipal level, with the reform of the Municipalities Act of 2010, the existence of Municipal Women’s Offices is now under the discretionary criteria of mayors, many of whom do not prioritize services to women.

Public institutions providing services to prevent and respond to gender-based violence are few and far between. The Judiciary (including courts of the peace, family and violence against women courts, trial courts), the Public Ministry (prosecutors, special prosecutors, and forensic medicine), the National Police, and the Ministry of Health (through hospitals, health centers, and family counseling units) all provide limited support. In March 2014, the Inter-Agency Commission on the Implementation of the Domestic Violence Act (with representatives of the National Institute for Women, the Public Ministry, the Department of Health, the Central District Municipality, the National Human Rights Commission, and civil society organizations) launched the Centre for Support and Protection of Women’s Rights (CAPRODEM) in the city of Comayagüela. This Centre offers orientation, medical, legal, and psychological assistance to victims of domestic and interfamily violence. However, CAPRODEM faces many obstacles in its ability to provide services. The Coordinator of CAPRODEM has pointed out that “Lacking its own budget and human resources, it depends on the voluntary contributions of the institutions of which it is a part” (i.e., Supreme Court, Health Sector, National Institute of Women).

Additional shelters for women who are victims of gender-based violence are extremely limited and only operate in Choluteca, La Ceiba, and Santa Rosa de Copan.

Civil society organizations and universities are offering some alternative services to alleviate needs of gender-based violence victims. This group includes women and feminist nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), as well as human rights organizations and universities that may offer legal services and psychological care and support. It is important to mention that these programs are limited in number and work with minimal budgets. More recently, women's networks at the municipal level and community-based women's organizations have emerged, organized to monitor and assert their rights, and to find solutions in the absence of the public sector’s response to increased violence. These to through a human rights-based approach.” Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Rashida Manjoo, Addendun, Mission to Honduras, March 2015, Page 14.

4“The closure or merging of investigation units has also led to concerns about the lack of specificity in prosecuting crimes against women, the lack of appropriate equipment and tools and lack of human resources, thereby further eroding the need for accountability for such crimes.” Report of the Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences, Rashida Manjoo, Addendun, Mission to Honduras, March 2015, Page 17.

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 14

networks and community groups are also providing support for domestic and interfamily violence victims.

In addition to the limiting factors discussed above, the critical path followed by women affected by violence in Honduras is further complicated by geographic and economic challenges. The lack of coverage and centralization of services by justice operators and service providers forces many women to move to other cities in search of justice (if they have the financial capacity and autonomy to do so), which, considering the high level of poverty of the population, is a tremendous hurdle to overcome.

The following diagram summarizes the existing public and private institutions to which women can turn in search of support. While the diagram indicates a variety of entry points, it should be understood that most of these simply do not operate at the municipal, let alone community level. The few that do operate at the municipal level are highlighted with italics in the chart. In addition to these, many neighborhoods have organized women’s groups that can play a role in supporting victims of GBV, but they generally do not have the resources to effectively provide service.

Exhibit 7: Critical Path of Institutional Services for Victims of GBV

SCHOOL-RELATED GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE

School, a space dedicated to learning, is also a place for the socialization of values and cultural norms that vary depending on the historical, cultural, and political context. Therefore, school, in addition to inculcating learning, has an important role in generating positive behaviors and equitable cultural practices or, on the contrary, can reinforce inequality and perpetuate patterns of violence. Family, church, media, school, and other institutions tend to reproduce gender stereotypes and roles thus creating a "naturalization" and standardization of unequal relations between women and men, where

Entry Points

- Neighborhood or community police stations

- Comprehensive Care Centers (one-stop centers) -Women or Feminist NGOs -Health Centers

- Hospitals

- Family Councils

- Courts of the Peace

- Civil Court

- Police Judge

- Free legal counsel

- University facilities

- Municipal Office for Women (OMM)

- Municipalities

*Honduras National Police

- Preventive Police (municipal level)

- National Criminal Investigation Department (municipal level)

- Comprehensive Care Centers

*Public Prosecutor

- National Board of Forensic Medicine

- Forensic Clinic

- Prosecutors

*Supreme Court of Justice

- Family Courts

- Domestic Violence Courts

- National Trial Courts

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 15

women and girls systematically face discrimination. In the school, gender-based violence becomes more complex and takes more specific characteristics.

USAID defines school-related gender-based violence as “physical, sexual, or psychological violence or abuse that is based on gendered stereotypes or that targets students on the basis of their sex, sexuality, or gender identities. The underlying intent of this violence is to reinforce gender roles and perpetuate gender inequalities. It includes rape, unwanted sexual touching, unwanted sexual comments, corporal punishment, bullying, and verbal harassment. Unequal power relations between adults and children and males and females contribute to this violence, which can take place in the school, on school grounds, going to and from school, or in school dormitories and may be perpetrated by teachers, students, school personnel or community members. Both girls and boys can be victims, as well as perpetrators.

SRGBV results in sexual, physical, or psychological harm to girls and boys.” (USAID 2014)

Honduras has a strong regulatory and legal framework to prevent, respond, punish, and eradicate violence against girls and boys. The framework is based on the Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), which highlights the importance of protecting the rights of children as follows:

States shall take all legislative, administrative, social and educational measures appropriate to protect children from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse, while the child is in the custody of the parents, a legal representative or of any other person who is in charge. (Article 19, Paragraph 1, Convention on Rights of the Child)

Norms of this international legal framework are already incorporated into the Honduras national legislation and are reflected in provisions such as Article 119 of the National Constitution of the Republic of Honduras, noting that “The State has the obligation to protect infants. Children shall enjoy the protection provided for international agreements to ensure their rights. The laws for the protection of children are of public order and the official establishments for the same purpose have the character of Social Assistance Centers." Furthermore, the Children and Adolescents Code (1996), which includes articles related to the protection against ill-treatment and abuse of children declares: "Shall be treated as victims of abuse, children who have suffered harm or injury in their physical health, mental, emotional or personal well-being by the acts or omissions of their father, mother, legal representative, teachers or other people with whom they have relationships." (Article 162)

In regards to violence against boys and girls specifically in a school setting (SRGBV), paragraph 2 of article 28 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child establishes the right of girls and boys to be protected from physical punishment in the school. In October 2014, due to the increased levels of abuse in public and private institutions in the principal cities of the country, Honduras adopted the Act Against Bullying in Schools, which contains 14 articles aimed promoting good relations between students at schools, and preventing, punishing, and eradicating all forms of violence, either physical or psychological, assault, harassment, intimidation, and any act considered as harassment, among the students of educational institutions (Diario La Prensa 2014). While there have been cases of bullying brought under

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 16

this Act, there have been no clear protocols or policies developed and consistently applied by the Ministry of Education.

This international and national legal framework to protect children has been supported by an institutional framework, namely the Bureau of the Child, Adolescent and Family (DINAF), attached to the Secretariat for Development and Social Inclusion.5 Established in 2014, DINAF is tasked with operating as a decentralized body with technical, functional, administrative, and financial independence (Diario La Prensa, 2014). There is also a coordinated effort between DINAF and other related government entities, as is the case of the Ministry Education, which plays a fundamental role in the prevention and eradication of violence in formal educational spaces.

5 Previous to the creation of DINAF the Honduran Child and Family Institute (INHFA) had the mandate to provide comprehensive protection for children, but it was dismantled and with its closure, all its dependencies to protect children at social risk had been transferred to municipalities. The role of the DINAF will exclusively be to regulate and foresee those municipal and private NGOs that works in the protection of vulnerable children (http://www.laprensa.hn/honduras/864024-417/m%C3%A1s-de-10000-ni%C3%B1os-viven-en-las-calles-de-honduras).

http://www.laprensa.hn/honduras/864024-417/m%C3%A1s-de-10000-ni%C3%B1os-viven-en-las-calles-de-honduras http://www.laprensa.hn/honduras/864024-417/m%C3%A1s-de-10000-ni%C3%B1os-viven-en-las-calles-de-honduras

GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE ANALYSIS FOR USAID/HONDURAS 17

DESCRIPTIONS OF

METHODOLOGIES USED

OVERVIEW OF METHODOLOGY

This section presents the research methods designed and implemented for the Gender-based Violence Analysis for USAID/Honduras in five municipalities in Honduras. The GBV analysis team designed and implemented a mixed methods approach to answer the analysis questions posed by USAID/Honduras.

The 20 original questions posed by USAID/Honduras, broken down into GBV, School-related GBV, and Services, are attached as Annex B.

Quantitative methods were used to gather information to answer the “what” GBV analysis questions, while qualitative methods provided data to answer the “how” and “why” questions of the analysis. The primary quantitative and qualitative data collection instruments included a women household survey (WS) applied to 18- to 50-year old women, a mini student survey (MSS) carried out among students of 7th to 12th grades, focus group discussion (FGDs), and key informant interviews (KIIs). Because many studies have found that GBV primarily affects women rather than men, the methodology focused on women, but also assessed the extent to which other vulnerable groups – e.g., children, youth, ethnic groups, and people with disabilities – are affected. Prior to the data collection, the analysis team carried out a literature review that informed the design of data collection instruments and provided secondary information to complement the quantitative and qualitative data collected.

The key data collection methods and target groups included:

1. Women household survey (women 18 to 50 years old)

2. Student mini survey (students grades 7 to 12)

3. Focus group discussions with target groups:

a. Girls out school (12 to 18 years)

b. Boys out of school (12 to 18 years)

c. Men, 18 or older

d. Women teachers

e. Women community leaders

f. LGBT representatives

g. People with disabilities

h. Minority ethnic groups (e.g., Garifuna community)

4. Key informant interviews:

a. Central government, municipal government, and local government

GENDER-BASED…