Become a CBSS Member
Community Based Support System (CBSS)
The Community-Based Support System (CBSS) is RENEW’s expanded network of adult volunteers established in all 20 districts to advocate against gender-based violence and provide protection and emergency services.
It is RENEW’s long-term approach towards reducing and preventing Domestic Violence (DV) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Bhutanese society by:
• Engaging volunteers to join hands with RENEW.
• Developing partnerships with community members and key agencies at the community level.
• Creating a seamless system of proactive and preventive services for DV/GBV survivors.
Members
Its members include community leaders, local and district level officials, teachers, health workers, religious leaders and local community members who serve as RENEW’s frontliners in aiding families troubled by violence and other forms of abuse and in carrying out advocacy and awareness programs.
CBSS Today
Initiated in December 2005 in Thimphu district, the network quickly expanded to all districts by 2011. Today, it has more than 5,000 members across the country of which 400 are active members who ensure that families and individuals facing violence receive immediate support and protection.
Way Forward
As the interface between RENEW and the community, RENEW will continue to strengthen partnerships with the local communities through the CBSS to advance the SRHR agenda for sustainable cross-sectoral support to SGBV survivors and to create an enabling environment for vibrant and happy communities.
Pledge of Commitment by Volunteers
• Will not misuse my power by physically and emotionally abusing my partner of any family members.
• Will not tolerate any violence in my area/locality/community under any circumstance.
• Create awareness on Gender-Based Violence (GBV), Domestic Violence (DV) and Violence against Women (VAW).
• Provide support to the survivors of GBV, DV and VAW.
• Strategize long-term action plans for a violence free society.
• Promote and advocate communal responsibility to prevent GBV.
• Run RENEW’s Consensus Building Program and Case Management Program to help survivors.
Reaching Out Together
Since 2014, the district level Multi Sectoral Task force (MSTF) and the CBSS have been working together in partnership to provide wholesome services to the vulnerable population especially, survivors of gender-based violence. MSTF is a network established under Bhutan’s health ministry and has been instrumental in carrying forward the nation’s response to combat HIV&AIDS, STIs, and Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights.