Overview
The Isange One Stop Center (IOSC) is a comprehensive service center established to provide free, timely, and confidential support to survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC). The center brings together medical, psychosocial, legal, and investigative services under one roof, ensuring that survivors receive coordinated care in a safe and supportive environment. The first Isange One Stop Center was established in Rwanda in 2009, and similar centers have since been expanded across the country to improve access to justice and survivor-centered services.
Our Mission
To provide integrated, survivor-centered services that promote healing, protection, justice, and the prevention of gender-based violence and violence against children.
Services Offered
The Isange One Stop Center provides a wide range of services, including:
- Emergency medical examination and treatment.
- Psychological counseling and trauma support.
- Collection and preservation of forensic evidence.
- Medical-legal documentation and reporting.
- Investigation support in collaboration with the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB).
- Referral to social protection and rehabilitation services.
- Follow-up care and case management.
- Prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV.
- Emergency contraception and other reproductive health services where appropriate.
- Child protection services for victims of violence.
- Community awareness and education on the prevention of gender-based violence.
Who Can Access the Services?
The Isange One Stop Center serves:
- Women and girls affected by gender-based violence.
- Men and boys who are survivors of violence.
- Children experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, physical assault, emotional abuse, and other forms of violence.
All services are provided without discrimination, and survivors are treated with dignity, respect, and confidentiality.
Guiding Principles
The Isange One Stop Center operates based on the following principles:
- Confidentiality and privacy.
- Respect for survivors' rights and dignity.
- Survivor-centered and trauma-informed care.
- Timely access to comprehensive services.
- Multi-sectoral collaboration among health, justice, law enforcement, and social protection institutions.
Reporting Gender-Based Violence
Anyone who experiences or witnesses gender-based violence or violence against children is encouraged to report the incident immediately. Early reporting helps ensure timely medical care, psychological support, legal assistance, and protection.
Why Isange One Stop Center Matters
The Isange One Stop Center plays a vital role in protecting vulnerable members of the community by ensuring survivors receive comprehensive care in one location. Through coordinated services, the center contributes to improved health outcomes, access to justice, and the prevention of future violence while promoting safer and more resilient communities.