P034 Access to sexual and reproductive health in the Calais “jungle camp” for women. A volunteer perspective

Abstract

Background/introduction The number of women in the “jungle” camp in Calais, France increased in 2015 but definitive numbers are unknown. Health services report these women are a difficult to access population. Multiple small groups of grassroots volunteers support initiatives in the camp and have access to vulnerable groups. Aims/objectives To survey volunteers opinions on access to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) care in the “jungle” camp and protection against sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) for women. Methods We designed an online survey and posted it on grassroots volunteer social media groups in November 2015. Results 32 volunteers responded to our survey. Most 20/32 (63%) were short term volunteers working in a healthcare capacity n = 14/28 (50%). The average age of women reported by volunteers was 18-25 (65%). 19/28 (68%) of volunteers had encountered pregnant women and 4/29 (15%) said women disclosed sexual assault in the camp. 21/28 (75%) of the volunteers did not know how to refer women to sexual assault services. 100% of the volunteers reported inadequate protection and security measures against SGBV. Discussion/conclusion There is inadequate security in the “jungle” camp and sexual violence has been described. As the number of makeshift transit camps continues to increase throughout Europe in the current refugee crisis, it is imperative that the minimum standards of SRH are met and that there is adequate security in place to protect against SGBV.