Investigator(s)
| Submitter |
Jamyang Kinga RENEW Organization, Bhutan Jamyang Kinga 
|
| Principal Investigator |
Jamyang Kinga RENEW Organization, Bhutan Jamyang Kinga
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Sonam Zangmo RENEW Organization Sonam Zangmo
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Zimba Letho Khesar Gyalpo University of Medical Science Zimba Letho
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Tshering Dolkar RENEW Organization Tshering Dolkar
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Meenakshi Rai RENEW Organization Meenakshi Rai
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Suman Pradhan RENEW Organization Suman Pradhan
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Anu Rai RENEW Organization Anu Rai
|
| Co-Investigator(s) |
Dawa Gyeltshen Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Referral Hospital Dawa Gyeltshen
|
Title(s) and abstract
| Scientific title | Trends in violence patterns and support services at RENEW Plus, Bhutan: A retrospective records review, January 2021 to June 2026 |
| Public title | Trends in violence patterns and support services at RENEW Plus, Bhutan: A retrospective records review, January 2021 to June 2026 |
| Background | Violence is a major public health and human rights issue that affects individuals, families, and communities worldwide. It can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, as well as neglect. Studies have shown that survivors of violence often experience long-term physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences that affect their health, well-being, and quality of life. To address these challenges, many countries have introduced support services such as counselling and psychosocial support to help survivors recover and prevent further violence. In Bhutan, violence remains a significant concern, particularly among women and children. National reports indicate that many women experience intimate partner violence, while children are exposed to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse. RENEW has been playing an important role in responding to these issues by providing counselling, shelter, legal assistance, and livelihood support to survivors. However, there is limited evidence on the trends and characteristics of cases reported to RENEW and the services provided over time. Therefore, this study will generate important evidence to strengthen service delivery, improve prevention strategies, and support evidence-based policies and programs in Bhutan. |
| Objectives | 1. To describe the trends in patterns of violence reported at RENEW Plus from January 2021 to June 2026, including analysis of the impact of the 2025 expansion to RENEW Plus. 2. To describe the services provided by RENEW Plus and examine the patterns of service uptake over time. |
| Study Methods | This study is a retrospective study, which will analyze existing records rather than new data from participants Study Setting and period The study will be conducted at RENEW Plus in Thimphu, Bhutan. RENEW was established in 2004 to support women and children affected by violence and expanded to RENEW plus in 2025 to serve men, boys, LGBTQ+ individuals, and persons with disabilities. The study will be conducted from June 2026 to February 2027 and will review records from January 2021 to June 2026. Study population, inclusion, and exclusion criteria All formally registered clients who visited RENEW plus during the study period will be included. Duplicate registrations of the same client within the same calendar month will be excluded. Sample size Total census sampling will be used, including all eligible client records from January 2021 to June 2026. Approximately 5000 records are expected to be included. Data collection procedure Data will be extracted from secure and anonymized case management records using a structured data collection form and entered into REDCap, a secure electronic database. No personal identifiers, such as names or ID numbers, will be collected. Ethical Considerations and Confidentiality Administrative and ethical approvals will be obtained before the study. A waiver of informed consent will be sought because the study uses de-identified records with no direct participant contact. All data will be kept confidential, securely stored, and accessed only by authorized researchers. Statistical Analysis Data will be analyzed using R-statistical software to describe client characteristics, service utilization, types of violence, and trends over time. |
| Expected outcomes and use of results | This study is expected to provide important information on the trends and patterns of violence cases reported to RENEW Plus from January 2021 to June 2026. It will describe the characteristics of clients, the different types of violence experienced, and the support services provided to survivors. The findings will help RENEW Plus understand survivors' needs, strengthen its services, and improve prevention and early intervention programs. The results will also provide evidence for policymakers and other stakeholders to develop effective strategies and policies to prevent violence and improve support services in Bhutan. In addition, the study may serve as a useful reference for future research and programs aimed at promoting the safety, well-being, and recovery of survivors. |
| Keywords | Physical abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexual abuse, Economic/neglect, Non-GBV, Individual Counselling, couple/family counselling, Legal aid, Livelihood support, Ongoing case, Case closed, Referred to others, Case dropped out. |
Research Details
| Student research | No |
| Start Date | 01-Jul-2026 |
| End Date | 28-Feb-2027 |
| Key Implementing Institution | KGUMSB |
| Multi-country research | No |
| Nationwide research | No |
| Bhutan | |
| Research Domain(s) | Non-communicable diseases & Healthy Lifestyles |
| Research field(s) | Gender and Sexuality |
| Involves human subjects | Yes |
| Operational Research | |
| Data Collection | Secondary data |
| Proposal reviewed by other Committee | No |