UN Women, UNICEF and UNFPA reaffirm commitment to support Ho Chi Minh City in providing essential services for women and children survivors of violence.

As Viet Nam’s dynamic socio-economic hub, Ho Chi Minh City has made significant development progress but continues to face persistent challenges related to gender inequality and violence against women and children. In response to this urgent need, and with technical and financial support from UN Women and other partners, the city launched its first One-Stop Service Center at Hung Vuong Hospital in March 2023. Since then, the Center has supported 224 women and adolescents affected by violence. During the same period, the hospital recorded more than 1000 cases of child mothers and adolescents seeking family planning services—none of whom accessed the Center’s services, for various reasons.

These figures reflect a stark reality in Viet Nam. A 2019 national study conducted by Ministry of Home Affairs (formerly Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs), the National Statistical Office of Viet Nam (formerly the General Statistics Office) and UNFPA revealed that two out of three women in Viet Nam have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner. Notably, 90 percent of survivors do not seek support from local authorities.

Beside the Center at Hung Vuong Hospital, the UN agencies in Viet Nam have supported the development and piloting of various One-Stop Service models, such as Ánh Dương Houses, Peace House Shelters, and one at the National Children’s Hospital. These models provide integrated services for women and children survivors of abuse and GBV in Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Noi, Da Nang, Quang Ninh, and Thanh Hoa.

The One-Stop Service models offer intake, assessment, treatment, and counseling for survivors of violence and abuse. These centers provide essential, free services in one location — enabling survivors to access medical care, psychological support, and legal counseling without navigating complex and fragmented systems.

Representing the three UN agencies, Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Viet Nam stated at the workshop:

“Violence against women and children is not only a violation of rights — it is a hidden tax on development. It drains health systems, lowers workforce participation, limits human capital, and undermines peace and prosperity. If Viet Nam is to realize its full economic and social potential, ending violence must be a top priority. It is not a cost — it is a catalyst for sustainable, inclusive growth.”

Speaking at the workshop, Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairperson of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, emphasized:

"Given the prevalence and complexity of gender-based violence — occurring in households, schools, workplaces, public spaces, and online — no single agency or locality can address it alone. A coordinated, multi-sectoral approach is essential to deliver effective and lasting solutions.”

Building on lessons learned, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee has announced the establishment of three additional One-Stop Service Centers at Children’s Hospital 1, the City Children’s Hospital, and the Ho Chi Minh City Orthopedic and Trauma Hospital.

During the launching ceremony of the three new models, representatives from UN Women, UNICEF, and UNFPA — under the Joint Programme on Ending Violence Against Women and Children, funded by the Government of Australia — reiterated their continued support to Ho Chi Minh City in expanding and strengthening these models. Their steadfast partnership brings additional resources, international expertise, and momentum to the City’s efforts in building a safe, inclusive, and violence-free environment for all women and children.

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