title: The role of the healthcare sector in the prevention of sexual violence against sub-Saharan transmigrants in Morocco: a study of knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Sub-Saharan transmigrants in Morocco are extremely vulnerable to sexual violence. From a public health perspective, the healthcare system is globally considered an important partner in the prevention of sexual violence. The aim of this study is twofold. In a first phase, we aimed to identify the current role and position of the Moroccan healthcare sector in the prevention of sexual violence against sub-Saharan transmigrants. In a second phase, we wanted these results and available guidelines to be the topic of a participatory process with local stakeholders in order to formulate recommendations for a more desirable prevention of sexual violence against sub-Saharan transmigrants by the Moroccan healthcare sector.
  
  
  METHODS
  Knowledge, attitudes and practices of healthcare workers in Morocco concerning sexual violence against sub-Saharan transmigrants and its prevention were firstly explored in semi-structured interviews after which they were discussed in a participatory process resulting in the formulation of recommendations.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All participants (n=24) acknowledged the need for desirable prevention of sexual violence against transmigrants. Furthermore, important barriers in tertiary prevention practices, i.e. psychosocial and judicial referral and long-term follow-up, and in secondary prevention attitudes, i.e. active identification of victims were identified. Moreover, existing services for Moroccan victims of sexual violence currently do not address the sub-Saharan population. Thus, transmigrants are bound to rely on the aid of civil society.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This research demonstrates the low accessibility of existing Moroccan services for sub-Saharan migrants. In particular, there is an absence of prevention initiatives addressing sexual violence against the sub-Saharan transmigrant population. Although healthcare workers do wish to develop prevention initiatives, they are dealing with structural difficulties and a lack of expertise. Recommendations adapted to the context of sub-Saharan transmigrants in Morocco are suggested.
authors: ICRH- International Centre for Reproductive Health, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Ghent University, De Pintelaan 185 - P3, Ghent 9000, Belgium. seline.vandenameele@gmail.com
authors: Seline
authors: S
authors: van den Ameele
authors: Ines
authors: I
authors: Keygnaert
authors: Alima
authors: A
authors: Rachidi
authors: Kristien
authors: K
authors: Roelens
authors: Marleen
authors: M
authors: Temmerman
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D019981:Health Care Sector; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009018:Morocco; D011322:Primary Prevention; D024382:Professional Role; D036301:Qualitative Research; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D012742:Sex Offenses / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000639:trends; D014171:Transients and Migrants; D055815:Young Adult