UNFPA has initiated training sessions for over 60 doctors and nurses. They were based on the clinical guideline "Principles of Organising and Providing Medical Care to Survivors of Sexual Violence". The guideline was developed by UNFPA in collaboration with the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia, with the financial support of the EU.
The primary objective of the training was to provide healthcare workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to ensure proper medical assistance for women who have experienced sexual violence.
"The clinical guideline was approved in 2025 by Order No. 3612-L of the Minister of Health of the Republic of Armenia and serves as a support tool for healthcare professionals. It provides a step-by-step guide on the actions to be taken when providing support to survivors of sexual violence," noted Narine Beglarian, Sexual and Reproductive Health Programm Analyst at the UNFPA Armenia CO. She particularly emphasised the importance of a rapid response: "The first 72 hours are especially critical from the perspective of preventing the possible risks. During the training, we also aimed at providing practical mechanisms that will help healthcare workers adopt a sensitive approach when working with patients, thereby avoiding re-victimisation."
The authors of the guideline—Vahe Gyulkhasyan, PhD, obstetrician-gynaecologist, and Siranush Davtyan, clinical psychologist and psychotherapist presented the participants with the complete chain of care. The training included comprehensive information ranging from initial support and general condition assessment to gynaecological examination, mental health assessment, and follow-up care. A vital component was the practical session, which helped participants master the skills required for a sensitive approach towards patients.
According to the guideline, it is essential to provide emergency or specialised medical care to all patients. Upon their consent, the following steps must be implemented:
- Psychosocial counselling and support;
- Physical and gynaecological examination;
- Primary surgical treatment of wounds;
- Prevention of STIs, HIV infection, and Hepatitis B;
- Pregnancy prevention;
- Management of pain and other pathological symptoms.
Throughout the session, a central emphasis was placed on the value system: there is no justification for violence. Anna Tadevosyan, Chief Midwife at the Institute of Reproductive Health, Perinatology, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology, noted that the training filled a significant information gap:
"We learned the specific tecnics of communicating with survivors of violence so that they do not feel vulnerable. Now, I know exactly where to refer people for further legal or psychological assistance.
Nune Atabekyan, an obstetrician-gynaecologist at "Sebastia" Medical Centre with 30 years of experience, highlighted the importance of the training from the perspective of women’s rights:
"Society often sees the woman as being at fault, blaming her for being subjected to violence. For me, the most important takeaway from this training was the knowledge regarding women's rights and the principle that no one has the right to show discrimination during professional support based on a person’s appearance, clothing, or other circumstances."
Concluding the results, clinical psychologist Siranush Davtyan noted that the need for this training was evident:
"Many participants initially stated they had not encountered cases of sexual violence; however, during the course, they began sharing stories they had come across where the survivor and sometimes even the healthcare worker had been targeted. It was particularly encouraging to see the interest and active participation of our colleagues from the regions. The feedback showed that they gained significant knowledge, especially regarding crisis intervention and primary response."
This initiative is part of UNFPA's ongoing efforts to build the capacity of professionals in the Gender-Based Violence and Sexual and Reproductive Health fields.
