Response to sexual assault in Bogotá, Colombia: A qualitative evaluation of health providers’ readiness and role in policy implementation

Abstract

Colombia has an extensive policy framework to address violence against women. In this qualitative study the authors address the health system and policy response to sexual violence in Bogotá. Interviews were conducted with doctors, nurses, and social workers (n = 46) in emergency departments at public hospitals in Bogotá in 2015, and were analyzed for thematic content. Key findings were compared with district and national policies and 2013 WHO clinical and policy guidelines. Most providers exhibited sensitivity towards victims, but reported inadequate capacity building, undermining policy implementation. Our participants’ eagerness to provide quality care suggests that health system strengthening may be timely and effective.

Acknowledgements

We want to acknowledge the Colombia Fulbright Commission in addition to our study participants and the hospital Administrators, Dr. María Dolores Sánchez, Dr. Amy Ritterbusch, Dr. Sandra Garcia, and Dr. Carey Borkoski.

Ethical approval

Human subjects research approval was obtained from Middlebury College prior to the start of research and free and informed consent was obtained from all participating hospitals as per the ethical review protocol.

Note on affiliation

Sophie Morse conducted the research in Bogota with the Fulbright U.S. Student Program and was hosted at the Universidad de los Andes as a visiting scholar. Ethical approval was obtained from Middlebury College because she applied for the Fulbright as an alumnus. The manuscript was completed while Sophie Morse was completing her masters at Johns Hopkins University. Given that it is unclear which institution makes the most sense, her affiliation is listed as the LBJ School of Public Affairs where she is currently pursuing a PhD.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by a 2014-2015 Fulbright U.S. Student Program Grant.