Healing the deepest wounds of all.

With violence against women now recognized as a public health issue, Oxfam is addressing the gender dimensions and health effects of violence against women by supporting programs in various parts of the world. In South Africa, the KwaZulu Natal Programme for the Survivors of Violence works with young men involved in ongoing political violence and organizes group discussions where young men and women can discuss gender issues. In the Philippines, a nongovernmental organization works to increase AIDS awareness and prevention activities among prostitutes. In Uganda, the Ikafe program addresses the health implications of the use of violence against women as a strategy of war. In Belgrade, an SOS Hotline that provides a counseling service for female and child survivors of violence has fielded over 5000 calls in the past few years. In Cambodia, the Project Against Domestic Violence is allowing smaller organizations to take part in staff training programs in order to expand services to traumatized women.