GENDER BASED VIOLENCE

OBJECTIVES

 Basic understanding of GBV

 Care for GBV survivors
 Psychological support GBV survivors
 Referral and follow up for GBV survivors
 Role of community health volunteers in GBV
 GBV in humanitarian context
 GBV awareness at community level
 Monitoring and evaluation

Basic understanding of GBV

Gender-based violence is violence directed against a person because of that person's gender or
violence that affects persons of a particular gender disproportionately.

Violence against women is understood as a violation of human rights and a form of

discrimination against women and shall mean all acts of gender-based violence that result in, or
are likely to result in

 physical harm,
 sexual harm,
 psychological,
 economic harm
 Suffering to women.

Forms of GBV

i. Physical violence – Acts which causes physical harm as a result of unlawful

physical force e.g. includes beating, burning, kicking, punching, biting, maiming
or killing, or the use of objects or weapons

ii. Sexual violence - Any sexual act performed on young men without their consent
e.g. engaging in non-consensual vaginal, anal or oral penetration with another
 person, by the use of any body part or object; engaging in other non-consensual
acts of a sexual nature with a person; or causing someone else to engage in non-
consensual acts of a sexual nature with a third person.
iii. Psychological violence - Any act which causes psychological harm to young men.
This includes isolation or confinement, withholding information, disinformation, and
threatening behavior, defamation, harassment

iii. Economic violence - Any act or behavior which causes economic harm to young
men e.g. include taking away the earnings of the victim, not allowing them to
have a separate income (giving them housewife status, or making them work in a
family business without a salary), or making the victim unfit for work through
targeted physical abuse, restricting access to financial resources

Care for GBV survivors

Indicators and signs of possible GBV

Level of self-image

 Feeling ashamed

 Feeling worthless

 Feeling guilty

 Feeling contaminated

Somatic level

 Dizziness

 Headache

 stomach ache

 Constipation

 hemorrhoids

 Period disorder
 Sexually transmitted infection (STI)

Social level

 An unmotivated loss of interest in hobbies or activity.

 Reducing contact with their social circle.

 An unmotivated change in behavior, such as becoming more introverted.

Key messages

RESPECT

All actions you take are guided by respect for the survivor’s choices, wishes, rights and
dignity.

SAFETY

The safety of the survivor is the number one priority.

CONFIDENTIALITY

People have the right to choose to whom they will or will not tell their story. Maintaining
confidentiality means not sharing any information with anyone.

NON-DISCRIMINATION

Providing equal and fair treatment to anyone in need of support.

HEALTH SERVICES

If health services exist, always provide information on what is available. Share what you
know, and most importantly explain what you do not. Let the survivor decide if they want
to access them. Receiving quality medical care within 72 hours can prevent transmission
of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and within 120 hours can prevent unwanted
pregnancy

DO'S and DON'TS

DO allow the survivor to approach you. Listen to their needs.

 DO ask how you can support with any basic urgent needs first. Some survivors may need
immediate medical care or clothing.

DO ask the survivor if they feel comfortable talking to you in your current location. If a
survivor is accompanied by someone, do not assume it is safe to talk to the survivor about
their experience in front of that person.

DO provide practical support like offering water, a private place to sit, a tissue etc.

DO, to the best of your ability, ask the survivor to choose someone they feel comfortable
with to translate for and/or support them if needed.

DO NOT ignore someone who approaches you and shares that they have experienced
something bad, something uncomfortable, and something wrong and/or violence.

DO NOT force help on people by being intrusive or pushy.

DO NOT overreact. Stay calm.

DO NOT pressure the survivor into sharing more information beyond what they feel
comfortable sharing. The details of what happened and by whom are not important or
relevant to your role in listening and providing information on available services.

DO NOT ask if someone has experienced GBV, has been raped, has been hit etc.

PSYCHOLOGICAL support GBV survivors

Psychological support is an aspect of helping survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) cope

with the trauma they have experienced. It focuses on addressing the emotional, mental, and
psychological impact of violence and trauma, aiming to promote healing and recovery.

Principles of Effective Psychological Support:

Confidentiality:

Maintaining strict confidentiality ensures that survivors feel safe sharing their experiences
without fear of judgment or exposure.
Non-Judgmental Approach:

Service providers must create an environment where survivors feel heard, validated, and free of
blame. The focus should be on the survivor's healing, not on the circumstances of the abuse.

Cultural Sensitivity:

Psychological support should be adapted to the cultural context and values of the survivor,
respecting their beliefs, practices, and social norms.

Empathy and Active Listening:

Service providers must listen actively and empathetically, allowing survivors to express their
feelings and experiences at their own pace.

Respect for Autonomy:

Survivors should have control over their treatment options and decisions, fostering a sense of
agency and empowerment.

Common Psychological Responses to GBV:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Survivors may experience flashbacks, nightmares, and
anxiety after the traumatic event.

Depression: Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, and sadness are common, often leading to
withdrawal from social activities.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks: Constant worry, fear, and panic attacks may occur, particularly if the
survivor feels unsafe.

Guilt and Shame: Survivors may internalize feelings of guilt and shame, believing they are
somehow to blame for the violence they experienced.

Importance of Psychological Support:

Mental Health Recovery: Psychological support helps survivors heal from the emotional scars of
GBV and reduces the risk of long-term mental health disorders.
Physical Health Benefits: By addressing mental health needs, survivors can experience better
physical health outcomes, such as improved sleep and reduced stress levels.

Prevention of Further Harm: Survivors who receive adequate psychological support are less
likely to be re-victimized or perpetuate cycles of violence.

Social Reintegration: Psychological support helps survivors rebuild their self-esteem and
confidence, enabling them to reintegrate into society, relationships, and the workplace.

Challenges in Providing Psychological Support:

Stigma and Shame: Many survivors face societal stigma, which can prevent them from seeking
help. This may be particularly true in communities where GBV is normalized or underreported.

Resource Limitations: There may be a shortage of trained mental health professionals, or

services may be inaccessible due to geographical or financial constraints.

Cultural Barriers: Cultural norms and taboos can make it difficult for survivors to access
psychological services or for providers to offer appropriate care.

Strategies for Overcoming Barriers:

Community-Based Approaches: Involving community leaders, peers, and support networks can
help reduce stigma and encourage survivors to seek help.

Training Providers: Ensuring that healthcare, legal, and social service providers are trained in
trauma-informed care can help provide better support for survivors.

Integration into Existing Services: Integrating psychological support into general health and
social service systems can make it more accessible to survivors.

REFERRAL and Follow-Up for GBV Survivors

Referral and follow-up are essential components in the care and support system for survivors of
Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Proper referral ensures that survivors are linked with the
necessary services, while follow-up ensures continuity of care, support, and protection. Both
processes are integral to the survivor's recovery and safety.

Components of Referral for GBV Survivors:

Health Services:

Emergency Medical Care: Survivors should be referred to health facilities for immediate
treatment of physical injuries, sexual violence, or other health concerns (e.g., sexually
transmitted infections, HIV).

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): This includes treatment for preventing HIV and emergency
contraception to prevent pregnancy after rape or sexual violence.

Mental Health and Psychological Support: Referrals to mental health professionals such as
counselors, psychologists, or psychiatrists for trauma therapy, PTSD, anxiety, or depression.

Specialized Care: Some survivors may need specialized services, such as for reproductive health
(e.g., abortion care), substance abuse, or chronic physical conditions resulting from violence.

Legal Services:

Legal Counseling: Survivors may need legal advice on their rights, including how to report the
crime, file protection orders, or take legal action against the perpetrator.

Assistance with Legal Representation: Referrals to legal aid services can ensure survivors have
access to legal support, representation in court, and help navigating the judicial system.

Support for Reporting GBV: Empowering survivors to report the violence, either to the police or
other authorities, and providing guidance throughout the process.

Social Services:

Shelter Services: Immediate or temporary safe housing may be necessary for survivors at risk of
further violence or harm from their abuser. Shelters provide a safe environment where survivors
can recover.

Social Reintegration: Survivors may require support in reintegrating into their community,
particularly if they are displaced, stigmatized, or isolated as a result of the violence.

Economic Empowerment Programs: Economic support such as job training, income-generating

programs, or financial assistance may be necessary for survivors to regain independence and
rebuild their lives.
Child Protection Services:

For Child Survivors: If a child is involved, they may need specialized child protection services,
including referrals to child welfare agencies, legal support, and psychological care.

Follow-Up for GBV Survivors:

Medical Follow-Up:

Ongoing Health Monitoring: After initial medical care, survivors may need follow-up medical
appointments to ensure proper healing, manage any complications, and monitor for potential
long-term health issues (e.g., HIV status, trauma recovery),Medication Adherence: Follow-up
helps ensure that survivors complete any prescribed treatments, such as HIV medication or post-
rape care.

Psychological Support Follow-Up:

Continued Therapy: Mental health recovery often requires long-term counseling or

psychotherapy. Follow-up ensures that survivors continue receiving mental health support,
Assessing Progress: Follow-up helps assess survivors’ emotional well-being, coping strategies,
and potential need for additional interventions.

Legal Follow-Up:

Case Monitoring: Survivors may need follow-up regarding the legal process, including the
progress of their case in the justice system. This ensures they are informed and can make
empowered decisions, Ongoing Legal Assistance: Some survivors may need continued legal
support, such as updating protection orders, pursuing further legal actions, or navigating child
custody or divorce issues.

Social Support Follow-Up:

Economic Assistance Monitoring: If survivors have been linked with economic support
programs, follow-up ensures they are accessing and benefiting from these resources.

Social Reintegration: Follow-up helps track whether survivors have been successfully
reintegrated into the community, addressing any ongoing stigma or isolation.
Safety Follow-Up:

Monitoring Threats: It’s important to check on survivors' safety and well-being, especially if
there is ongoing risk from the [Link] Plans: Ensuring that survivors have an updated
safety plan in place, particularly in cases where the perpetrator is known or there is risk of re-
victimization.

Importance of Referral and Follow-Up:

Holistic Support:

Referrals and follow-up help ensure that survivors receive comprehensive care across all aspects
of their well-being: physical, psychological, legal, and social. This holistic approach supports
survivors in rebuilding their lives.

Continuity of Care:

Follow-up is vital in maintaining the continuity of care. It ensures that survivors do not fall
through the cracks of the system and continue to receive the support they need over time.

Prevention of Further Harm:

Timely referrals can connect survivors to services that protect them from further harm (e.g., legal
protection, shelters), and follow-up ensures that these protective measures are working
effectively.

Empowerment and Autonomy:

Effective referral and follow-up processes empower survivors by giving them access to the
resources and support they need to make informed decisions about their recovery and future.

Breaking the Cycle of Violence:

When survivors receive adequate support, including legal, medical, and psychological assistance,
they are less likely to experience re-victimization. Follow-up helps ensure that survivors have the
tools to break free from cycles of violence.

Challenges in Referral and Follow-Up:

Coordination of Services:

Fragmented service delivery can make it difficult for survivors to navigate referrals.
Coordinating between health, legal, and social services is crucial to provide seamless care.

Lack of Resources:

Many survivors face barriers in accessing necessary services, such as legal assistance, mental
health care, or shelters, due to lack of funding, availability, or geographic location.

Stigma and Fear:

Survivors may be hesitant to seek follow-up care due to fear of stigma, victim-blaming, or
retaliation from the perpetrator.

Monitoring and Tracking:

Effective follow-up requires robust systems to track survivors, monitor their progress, and ensure
they are accessing the support they need. Inadequate tracking can result in missed follow-up
appointments or gaps in care.

Best Practices for Referral and Follow-Up:

Integrated Service Models:

Developing integrated services where health, legal, and social services are linked can provide
comprehensive, survivor-centered care.

Confidentiality and Respect:

Maintaining survivor confidentiality and respecting their decisions regarding follow-up care are
essential to building trust and encouraging engagement with services.

Community-Based Support:

Engaging community health workers, local organizations, and peer networks in referral and
follow-up can ensure that survivors receive support in a culturally sensitive and accessible way.

Regular Check-Ins:
Routine follow-up appointments or check-ins, either in person or through phone calls, can help
ensure that survivors remain connected to the support system or are progressing toward recovery.

CHWs may perform the following roles in GBV:

 Create connections between GBV survivors and healthcare providers

 Help patients navigate healthcare and social service systems

 Manage care and care transitions for vulnerable populations

 Reduce social isolation among patients

 Determine eligibility and enroll individuals in health insurance plans

 Ensure cultural competence among healthcare providers serving vulnerable populations

 Educate healthcare providers and stakeholders about community health needs

 Provide culturally appropriate health education on topics related to chronic disease

prevention, physical activity, and nutrition

 Advocate for underserved individuals or communities to receive services and resources to

address health needs

 Collect data and relay information to stakeholders to inform programs and policies

 Provide informal counseling, health screenings, and referrals

 Build community capacity to address health issues

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Humanitarian Contexts:

A humanitarian context is the collection of institutions, resources, rules, and processes that
support humanitarian activities
Humanitarian contexts can be characterized by:

 Human rights concerns

Humanitarian crises can result in human rights concerns, which can trigger crises and increase
humanitarian needs.

 Protracted crises

Humanitarian crises are becoming increasingly protracted.

 Disregard for international law

Conflicts are increasingly characterized by disregard for international humanitarian and human
rights law.

 Compounding threats

Population growth, urbanization, environmental degradation, and climate change compound the
threats that people face

GBV, including physical, sexual, and psychological harm, often increases in humanitarian
settings due to the breakdown of social structures, displacement, and dependency on aid. Key
forms of GBV include sexual violence, intimate partner violence, early and forced marriage,
trafficking, and denial of resources.

Impacts:
Survivors face physical injuries, STIs, unwanted pregnancies, psychological trauma, and social
stigma.

Interventions:

1. Prevention: Community awareness, gender-sensitive infrastructure, and staff training.

2. Response: Confidential reporting, medical and psychosocial support, legal services, and
safe referral pathways.
 3. Advocacy: Promote GBV integration in all humanitarian planning and collaborate with
local actors.

4. Data Monitoring: Ethical data collection and evaluation to improve interventions.

International Frameworks and Guidelines

Several frameworks and guidelines have been developed to address GBV in humanitarian
contexts, including:

 The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Guidelines for GBV in Humanitarian

Settings.
 UN Security Council Resolutions 1325 and 1820 on women, peace, and security.

 The Sphere Standards, emphasizing the importance of protection from violence in

humanitarian response.

GBV awareness at community level

Awareness campaigns are important because they contribute to heightening awareness of gender-
based violence (GBV) as a violation of human rights that affects society as a whole (UN
Women, 2021:3). Over the years, awareness campaigns have helped to rally support for and
influence change in international and national legislative, and policy frameworks, as well as
sustain vital gender based violence prevention and response programming to support survivors

Community-based gender-based violence (GBV) awareness can help people understand the risks
of violence and how to report it. It can also help perpetrators know that they will be held
accountable.

Here are some ways to raise awareness about GBV in communities:

 Training sessions: Educate community leaders on GBV risks, prevention, interventions,

and human rights

 Community dialogues: Hold dialogues in a pre-arranged venue or in busy places where

the target audience is located

 Community art projects: Engage the community in art projects

 Educational services: Provide educational services about healthy communication and
intervention

 Social media: Engage traditional and social media outlets

 Marches, workshops, or parades: Organize marches, workshops, or parades

social protection system’.

Discuss the various groups involved in the integrated social protection systems within a
community and roles they play to prevent this predicament in the contemporary society.

The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women kicks off 16 days of
activism against GBV each year on November 25