Gender-based violence (GBV) is pervasive in Zambia. Data from the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) indicate that from the age of 15 years, almost half of all women have experienced physical violence. Factors contributing to GBV include sexual cleansing rituals, initiation ceremonies, economic dependence of women on men, socialisation of boys and girls at home and in school, inadequate laws on GBV and domestic violence and lack of law enforcement, and intimate partner violence (IPV) (DHS, 2007).

Together with World Vision International in Zambia, and the Frontiers Group, the Overseas Development Institute carried out a baseline study for the USAID funded ‘Stamping Out and Preventing Gender Based Violence’ programme which aims to institutionalize services for GBV survivors throughout government structures and to strengthen the quality of the GBV service referral mechanism in six districts - Chingola, Kalomo, Monze, Mpika, Mumbwa and Nyimba. The study focused on three main areas: GBV survivor services, access to justice, and prevention and advocacy.

Drawing upon secondary data review and analysis, as well as collecting and analysing primary data using both quantitative and qualitative approaches, the baseline study facilitated the creation of a set of recommendations alongside key indicators that can be tracked as the USAID funded programme progresses.