Gender-based violence disproportionately affects women and girls. There is evidence that a range of comprehensive measures can help prevent GBV. The most effective responses to GBV include support for Multi-Sectoral Response (MSR) services for survivors (medical, psychosocial, legal, economic support and safe spaces), including community-based psychosocial and livelihoods support.

In July 2019, the Commission on Gender Equality with the support of UNFPA, organized a study tour to Turkey and Romania for experts from the healthcare, law enforcement and psychosocial support sectors on standard operating procedures (SOP)  for a multi-sectoral response to gender-based violence. After the training, a round table was organized where an expert group members were identified comprising lead experts from the Commission on Gender Equality, Ministries of Internal Affairs, Health, Makhallya and Family issues, National Rehabilitation and Adaptation Center for GBV survivors, and experts from psychosocial sphere.  

The Gender Commission and UNFPA created a platform for national partners to discuss and adopt SOPs. The project also aims to support implementation of the Law on Protection of Women and Girls from Violence and Harassment and the Decree of the Cabinet of Ministers on Protection Order.

The expert group has developed the national SOPs for police, healthcare service providers, social workers, psychologists and makhalla specialists on family issues to ensure a coordinated interagency response to gender-based violence. An interagency executive mechanism with involvement of government bodies and civil society institutions will be created and tested during the piloting process in Samarkand and Bukhara provinces.