Table 1 GBV screening and linkage to care component: activities/inputs

Activities/inputs included:

- Training for study clinical staff offering HCT

- GBV screening and risk assessment job aid for study clinical staff

- Safety planning job aid

- Material on GBV referral services for staff and participants

- Staff supervision though debriefing sessions

- Prior to study implementation, clinical staff offering GBV screening in HCT was trained on GBV identification and risk assessment, first response (listening, validation, safety) and referral procedures.

- An additional refresher training (on referral and communication skills) was also organised after enrolment.

- GBV screening and risk assessment job aid was developed including 6 questions for identification and 5 for risk assessment (asking about current safety and current risk of GBV).

- Prior to study implementation, EMPOWER team visited GBV referral services to select key services for the study. A referral list for study staff was developed and subsequently revised every 3 months to ensure accuracy of information. A pocket size card with referral services for GBV (e.g. shelters, counselling, legal aid services) was also developed and offered to all participants during HCT (irrespective of GBV positive disclosure).

- Warm referral (study staff directly contacting support services for appointment) was also offered by study staff.

- Regular debriefing sessions were given - by a GBV researcher - to study staff performing GBV screening to discuss difficult cases and implementation challenges

- Staff counselling and support for vicarious trauma was organised for study staff (upon request).