6. Working with Victims and Survivors
GBVF 101
Working with Victims and Survivors
Objective
Learning how to work with victims and survivors of GBV in ways that protect their safety, dignity and sense of well-being.
Here are some of the principles that should guide your survivor-centred approach when working with victims and survivors of gender-based violence.
Safety
The safety of the survivor is the number one priority.
RIGHT TO SAFETY: Safety refers to both physical safety and security from harm, as well as to a sense of psychological and emotional safety for highly distressed people. It is important to consider the safety and security needs of each survivor, his/her family members and those providing care and support, including yourself. Individuals who disclose GBV may be at high risk of further violence, sexual and otherwise, from the perpetrators themselves, people protecting perpetrators (including their family, local leaders or authorities) and members of their own family due to notions of family honour.
Consent
Informed consent means making an informed choice freely and voluntarily by persons in an equal power relationship. Usually an intake form is used to collect survivor data and the survivor is informed how this data will be used and stored safely.
RIGHT TO CONFIDENTIALITY: Confidentiality refers to the right of a person to have any information about them kept private unless they explicitly request it. It promotes safety, trust and empowerment. Maintaining confidentiality means not disclosing any information at any time to any party without the informed consent of the survivor. Lack of confidentiality can put the survivor and others, including those the survivor has disclosed to, at risk of further harm.
Respect
All actions or decisions should be guided by respect for the survivor’s choices, wishes, rights, and dignity.
RIGHT TO DIGNITY AND SELF-DETERMINATION: All those who come into contact with survivors have a role to play in restoring the dignity and self-determination that have been taken away by GBV. For example, survivors have the right to choose who they wish to disclose to and which services they want to access. The survivor is the primary actor, and the role of helpers is to provide the information they can use to choose their path to recovery. Failing to respect the dignity, wishes and rights of survivors can increase their feelings of helplessness and shame, and self-blame and cause re-victimization and further harm.
Non-discrimination
Providing equal and fair treatment to anyone in need of support.
RIGHT TO NON-DISCRIMINATION: All people have the right to the best possible assistance without unfair discrimination on the basis of gender, age, disability, race, language, religious or political beliefs, sexual orientation or social class.
More information
A Pocket Guide – How to support a survivor of gender-based violence – provided by GBVguidelines.org
Also available as an interactive mobile app at https://gbvguidelines.org/en/pocketguide/