Cash Assistance and the Prevention, Mitigation and Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

The study Cash Assistance and the Prevention, Mitigation and Response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) is based on comprehensive research in Lebanon, Ecuador and Morocco. It provides learning and recommendations when using cash assistance in the prevention, mitigation and response to SGBV. The study was funded through the generous support of Safe from the Start.

Across the examined countries, the findings highlight the value of cash assistance in providing a sense of safety and dignity, and easing the financial burden on refugees and others of concern. It was found that cash helps meet immediate needs such as food, housing and non-food items (NFIs), and reduces the families’ vulnerability. Cash assistance – alongside services – also contributes to women’s empowerment and their decision-making power and reduced household tension. Cash used to achieve protection outcomes was found to be most effective when provided together with other services and thorough case management.

Some of the challenges identified with maximising the effectiveness of cash for SGBV relate to defining the most appropriate duration for the cash grants, ensuring consistent and multiple forms of communication with the recipients and providing quality case management.

UNHCR is committed to expanding the evidence base on the use of cash for protection by engaging in the development of tools and documenting field practices. The study also builds on the recent Cash Assistance and Gender – Key Considerations and Learning.