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Although it is one of the most highly urbanised countries in Latin America, with a wealth of natural resources, political and economic crisis and the social consequences continue to have a serious impact on Venezuelans, many of whom live in poverty.

MSF provides mental healthcare to victims of urban and domestic violence. In collaboration with the local organisation Fe y Alegría, we offer comprehensive care for victims of sexual violence. 

In 2017, MSF expanded its activities in the capital, Caracas, providing mental healthcare to victims of urban violence and sexual violence. In collaboration with other local organisations and public institutions, such as Fe y Alegría, we offer comprehensive care for victims, combining medical and psychological care with the help of social workers.
The project, which started in two of the city’s most dangerous neighbourhoods, Petare and La Vega, now operates from one of the main public hospitals in the city, and receives referrals from the surrounding region. MSF advocates considering sexual violence a medical emergency and treating it in a comprehensive way to help protect victims from further suffering.

In 2017, MSF started working in Maracaibo, the country’s second largest city, in Zulia state. The team provides medical and mental healthcare to young people and victims of sexual violence, through four public health facilities. Services include ante- and postnatal checks, contraception, emergency deliveries and psychological support to individuals and groups. MSF health promoters also visit schools, sports centres and youth clubs to talk to young people about their sexual and reproductive health.

MSF also supports hospitals in five cities, including Caracas, with medical supplies, psychological support and technical assistance, such as training for mass casualties.

Find out more about Venezuela