Project Details

Background

Rohingya women in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, face pervasive challenges, including high rates of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), intimate partner violence (IPV), and trauma from displacement and ethnic violence. Over 80% of Rohingya women experience symptoms of depression, and 60% live with PTSD. Limited access to mental health support and legal awareness exacerbates these vulnerabilities, necessitating integrated interventions.

This project combines Cognitive Behavioral Conjoint Therapy (CBCT) with legal awareness training to reduce IPV and SGBV, improve mental health, and empower women with knowledge of their legal rights. Conducted in collaboration with CPJ, BRAC University, and GDRI, the intervention uses a rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT) to assess its effectiveness.

Project Details

1. Objective

• Evaluate the effectiveness of CBCT in reducing IPV and SGBV.
• Assess the additional impact of combining CBCT with legal awareness programs.
• Improve participants’ mental health and communication skills within households.
• Empower women with knowledge of their legal rights and access to protection mechanisms.

2. Target Group

• Primary Beneficiaries: Rohingya refugee women aged 20–50 and their male partners in Cox’s Bazar camps.
• Secondary Beneficiaries: Untreated neighbors to measure spillover effects within the community.

3. Methodology

• Intervention Design:
  • CBCT Sessions: Weekly 75-minute therapy sessions for couples over 15 weeks, focusing on communication, stress management, and conflict resolution.
  • Legal Awareness Training: Bi-weekly group sessions on legal protections, safety planning, and interaction with law enforcement.
  • Hotline Support: Dedicated helpline for legal and mental health support, managed by CPJ.
• RCT Structure:
  • 210 blocks randomized into three groups: 
    1. CBCT-only intervention.
    2. CBCT combined with legal awareness.
    3. Control group with no intervention.
  • Surveys conducted to measure mental health, SGBV prevalence, and legal awareness outcomes.

4. Key Results (Anticipated)

• Violence Reduction: Significant decreases in IPV and SGBV incidents.
• Mental Health Improvements: Reduced PTSD and depression scores among participants.
• Increased Legal Awareness: Higher reporting of SGBV cases and greater use of legal services.
• Spillover Effects: Observable positive behavioral changes among untreated neighbors.

5. Financials

• Total Budget: $197,582.
• Major Expenses Include:
  • Training and intervention materials.
  • Monitoring and survey implementation costs.
• Cost Management: Ensured adherence to the budget while maintaining program quality.

6. Sustainability

• Community Involvement: Train local leaders and para-professionals to sustain mental health and legal awareness interventions.
• Policy Integration: Work with UNHCR and Bangladeshi government agencies to embed findings into broader protection frameworks.

7. Probable Learning Topics

• Combining CBCT with legal awareness can significantly improve mental health outcomes and reduce violence.
• Community engagement and culturally sensitive approaches are critical for success.
• Integrated interventions addressing mental health and legal rights empower women while fostering safer communities.