Evaluating the Effectiveness of One Stop Crisis Centre in Responding to Gender-Based Violence in Bangladesh

Background: Gender-based violence represents a critical challenge in Bangladesh, with one-stop crisis center serving as essential facilities for survivors seeking medical care, legal aid, and psychosocial support. Limited comprehensive data exists on victim profiles, violence characteristics, and service effectiveness at these centers, particularly in urban settings like Chittagong. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of one stop crisis centres in responding to gender-based violence in Bangladesh. Methods: We conducted a hospital-based cross-sectional study of 124 GBV victims at the One-stop Crisis Center (OCC), Chittagong Medical College Hospital, Bangladesh. Data collection included structured interviews and medical record reviews, with analysis performed using SPSS version 23.0. Statistical methods included descriptive analyses, chi-square tests, linear regression, and t-tests. Results: The study revealed 46.8% of victims were aged 20-29 years, with 91.9% female. Physical assault by husbands (22.6% dowry-related) and sexual assault by neighbors (17.7%) were predominant. While 68.5% strongly endorsed medical care, legal/financial support showed lower satisfaction (25.8% neutral). Married victims reported higher satisfaction than unmarried (p=0.015). Education level showed no significant association with injury type (χ²=3.82, p=0.28). However, higher education predicted greater satisfaction with legal support (β=0.28, p=0.012). These findings highlight important relationships between victim characteristics and service experiences. Conclusion: This study reveals critical gaps in Bangladesh's GBV response, particularly in legal and financial support services. While medical care was effective, comprehensive reforms are needed to address socioeconomic vulnerabilities and ensure equitable services for all victims, especially unmarried women and adolescents. Integrated, victim-centered approaches remain essential.