This article examines some of the reasons why measures to ensure protection from gender-based violence (GBV) and sexual exploitation and abuse, do not always take precedence for humanitarian actors during an emergency response, and what can be done to support organisations to integrate this aspect of protection into their humanitarian work. Drawing on field experiences with the organisation GOAL from the Haitian post-earthquake and cholera epidemic emergencies, the article provides a brief analysis of what systems worked well to support international non-government organisations (INGOs) that did not have a dedicated GBV programme, and where and how greater support could be provided in a future emergency. The article also provides some practical recommendations, based on lessons learned in the field, on integrating GBV for INGOs without a dedicated GBV programme during an emergency.