Ms Rattana Sioutoum remembers the case as if it were yesterday.

She was just eight years old when she arrived. Her story is a clear reminder that gender-based violence knows no boundaries – even within the family,” said Ms. Rattana, one of the many technical officers at the Counseling and Protection Center for Women and Children in Vientiane.

Noi (name changed for privacy) was one of many survivors who found refuge at the center. For nearly two years, she stayed under its care, slowly recovering her health and confidence. With support, she returned to school and eventually graduated, a proud moment for all who had helped her on her journey.

Since its establishment in 2006 under the Lao Women’s Union, the UNFPA-supported center has been a sanctuary for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). Here, no survivor faces a closed door when seeking help.

The Counseling and Protection Center for Women and Children has kept this promise, offering social, mental health, and legal services to women and child survivors since its opening. In the first nine months of 2024 alone, the centre has provided life-changing support to more than 300 survivors of violence, including 91 under the age of 18. Many are referred by hospitals, the police or through hotlines and social media.

A Silent crisis

Gender-based violence remains one of the most pervasive human rights violations worldwide. In Lao PDR, the statistics reflect the global data. Approximately one in three women experiences sexual, physical, or emotional violence. Yet, only one in ten seek help from authorities. A culture of silence, deeply rooted in societal norms and patriarchal values, perpetuates this cycle of harm.

Many survivors believe violence is just a part of life,” said Rattana. “Changing this mindset is a challenge, but it’s one we must take on.”

A Coordinated response

To break down these barriers, UNFPA has partnered with the Lao Women’s Union to establish a nationwide network of shelters and services. With UNFPA support, six shelters have been established and operationalize, providing survivors safe spaces and comprehensive care. The shelters are located in Vientiane Capital, Bokeo ,Bolikhamxay, Champassak, Savannakhet, Attapeu.

Service delivery has improved further since 2022. With UNFPA’s support, the Lao Women’s Union worked alongside with the National Commission for the Advancement of Women, Mothers and Children to develop and adopt standard operating procedures (SOPs) for health, social and coordination services This ensures survivors receive consistent, high-quality care. Combined with the Justice SOPs developed by UNDP, these guidelines promote a survivor-centered approach across hospitals, police stations, and social services, ensuring compassion, professionalism, and adherence to international standards.

This progress has been made possible through the generous support of key donors, including the Government of Japan, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), the Government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), and the United Kingdom (UK). Their contributions have been instrumental in strengthening the shelter network and operationalizing the SOPs, ensuring that survivors across many provinces in Lao PDR receive the care and support they need.

The Counseling and Protection Center for Women and Children exemplifies the impact of this coordinated effort. Survivors are supported through a rehabilitation plan, including health check-ups, family outreach, mental health counseling, and legal aid. Since 2015, the center has also worked closely with Mother and Child Hospital to provide comprehensive medical and psychological support, making its practices more systematic and rights-based. This ensures survivors encounter no additional barriers on their path to recovery. 

These SOPs are more than just guidelines—they are a lifeline for victims and the staff who support them.” said Dr. Sengchanh Sivilay, head of Gynecology at Mother and Child Hospital.

With UNFPA’s support, she has trained over 60 nurses in handling GBV cases effectively. This training has extended to provinces such as Attapeu, Bokeo, Borlikhamxay, and Savannakhet, building a nationwide capacity for survivor care.

Looking to the future

UNFPA is working with the government to address the root causes of GBV, empowering men and boys to become champions of change. Efforts include using data and programmatic evidence to inform the new National Action Plans for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Gender Equality for 2026-2030, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 5.

The fight against GBV is not just about providing care to survivors but also about prevention, education, and empowerment. It’s about fostering a society where violence is neither tolerated nor ignored and where every individual, from community leaders to family members, plays a role in breaking the cycle.

Ending gender-based violence starts with awareness and accountability,” said Rattana. “By working together, we can build a future where every woman and child lives free from violence and fear.”

To achieve this vision, additional support is urgently needed. Expanding the network of shelters to ensure that every province has at least one safe space for survivors is critical. Scaling up the implementation of SOPs, strengthening social behavior change initiatives, and engaging men, boys, and entire communities in addressing the root causes of GBV are essential steps forward. With sustained investment and collaboration, we can ensure that no survivor is left behind and that prevention efforts continue to gain momentum across Lao PDR.