Table 4 Summary of key findings from focus group discussions

Pilot site CHWs

Comfortable with topic of GBV, including sexual assault.

Knowledgeable about clinical skills for survivors of sexual assault.

Less confident in history-taking and psychosocial care.

Understood meaning of confidentiality, use of forms, and information management processes.

Security not seen as an excess concern.

Recognized more time is needed to train TBAs.

Recognized more time and awareness-raising are needed to encourage survivors to seek care.

Reported domestic violence as the most common type of GBV in the community.

Noted no reported cases or other issues to suspect sexual assault in the community.

Non-pilot site CHWs

Interested in providing treatment for sexual assault survivors.

Showed some confusion about definition of sexual assault and their role in caring for survivors.

Reported domestic violence as the most common type of GBV in the community.

Noted no reported cases or other issues to suspect sexual assault in the community.

TBAs

Understood role as providers of encouragement and referrals.

Need to maintain confidentiality was not reported as a major challenge, although understanding of confidentiality was mixed.

Showed mixed feelings regarding safety in assisting survivors.

Shared interest in learning more about GBV and how to help the community.

Reported domestic violence as the most common type of GBV in the community.

Community members

Shared primary barriers and challenges for survivors to accessing care as shyness; fear of others’ opinions; shame; and concerns that they may not receive help.

Agreed trusted persons in the community exist from whom survivors may seek care.

Suggested the community needs to feel comfortable in seeking care from a CHW or TBA.