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Abraham Lebeza
MEL Expert
Email:- lebezaalemu@gmail.com
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https://agora.unicef.org/user/profile.php?id=41357
1. How to provide initial support to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV)
2. Gender-based Violence (GBV) online course - Level 1 by UNHCR
3. Gender-based Violence (GBV) online course - Level 2 by UNHCR
4. UNFPA- Managing Gender Based Violence Programmes in Emergencies
5. Inter-Agency Minimum Standards for Gender-Based Violence in
Emergencies Programming
Course information | Gender-Based Violence Information Management System |
Kaya
6. GBV data management that the GBVIMS
Disaster ready
7.Gender-based Violence and child protection case management steps certificate
8.Intra agency Gender-based Violence management certificate
9.Introduction to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in Crisis
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Select the challenges in GBV data management that
the GBVIMS was developed to overcome.
• Sharing too much information (e.g. case files)
• Sharing information without consent
• Unsafe approach to data sharing
• Unsafe approach to data storage
• Lack of standardisation -comparing apples to
oranges
• Programming based on anecdotes and not on data
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Course objective
The purpose of the course is to develop the ability
of frontline workers to deal with situations of
gender-based violence and offer useful
information on available services.
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At the end of the course, participants will be able to:
Recognize the definition of GBV
Understand the dynamics of GBV affecting people during emergency
situations such as conflict, natural disasters, and forced
displacement
Identify the guiding principles, link the principles with their description
and understand how to use them
Recognize the definition and importance of psychological first aid (PFA)
in situations of GBV and connect each phase to its description
Understand the best way to behave in each phase of PFA
Recognize the guiding principles, responsibilities and limitations of
supporting child survivors of violence
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GBV causes and contributing factors and
consequences
The root cause of GBV are:-
• Deeply entrenched social norms and attitudes
(Gender inequality)
• Systemic discrimination and unequal power
relations
• Disrespect for human rights
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Gender-Based Violence (GBV) programming uses
three core pillars.
1. Prevention stops violence before it starts.
2. Risk mitigation reduces exposure to danger.
3. Response provides care for survivors.
These strategies work together to protect
vulnerable groups, especially women and girls
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Prevention, Mitigation and Response
There are three ways in which GBV is addressed:
Prevention: taking action to prevent GBV from
happening in the first place
Mitigation: reducing the risk of exposure to GBV
Response: activities undertaken by specialised
service providers related to survivor care and
assistance
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Contributing factors
The contributing factors of GBV are many and depends on the
context on which GBV is occurring
• The lack of institutional and legal framework
• The presence of armed conflict or natural disasters
• The abuse of alcohol or drugs
• The separation of families and the disruption of
community support and
• Poverty , among others
Risk factors manifest at all spheres and intervene at all
level of the ecological model
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Contributing factors
The contributing factors of GBV are many and depends on the
context on which GBV is occurring
• The lack of institutional and legal framework
• The presence of armed conflict or natural disasters
• The abuse of alcohol or drugs
• The separation of families and the disruption of
community support and
• Poverty , among others
Risk factors manifest at all spheres and intervene at all
level of the ecological model
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Non-binary describes people whose gender identity is not strictly a boy or a girl. It is an
umbrella term. It covers identities like "agender" (having no gender) or "gender-fluid"
(changing over time). Many non-binary people use "they/them" pronouns, while
others use "he", "she", or neo-pronouns
SEXUAL ORIENTATION Each person’s enduring capacity for profound romantic,
emotional and/or physical feelings for, or attrac tion to, other people. Encompasses
hetero-, homo-, bi-, pan- and asexuality, as well as a wide range of other
expressions of sexual orientation. This term is preferred over sexual preference,
sexual behavior, lifestyle and way of life when describing an individual’s feelings for
or attraction to other people.
GENDER IDENTITY Each person’s deeply felt internal and individual experience of
gender, which may or may not correspond with their sex assigned at birth or the
gender attributed to them by society. It includes the personal sense of the body,
which may or may not involve a desire for modification of appearance or function of
the body by medical, surgical or other means.
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Contributing factors
• Epidemics
• Lack of education
• Lack of protection from authorities
• Disaster
• Armed conflict and displacement
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GBV in emergencies
There is a growing recognition that in emergencies such as conflict and natural disasters, during displacement, and during and after return,
affected populations can experience various forms of gender-based violence (GBV). Natural disasters and other emergencies
exacerbate the violence and diminish means of protection. And GBV not only violates and traumatizes its survivors, it also
undermines the resilience of their societies, making it harder to recover and rebuild.
Accounts of sexual violence in conflict situations – especially against women and girls – have been widely documented. However, intimate
partner violence (IPV) is increasingly recognized as a critical GBV concern during emergencies. Hence, all forms of violence –
including sexual violence, IPV and other forms of domestic violence, forced and/or coerced prostitution, child and/or forced marriage,
female genital mutilation/cutting, female infanticide, and trafficking for sexual exploitation and/or forced/domestic labour – must be
considered in GBV prevention and mitigation assistance efforts, according to the trends in violence and the needs identified in a
given setting.
Moreover, in any emergency, there are groups of individuals who are more vulnerable to harm than other members of the population. This
is often because they hold less power in society, are more dependent on others for survival, are less visible to relief workers, or are
otherwise marginalized. When sources of vulnerability – such as age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, etc. – intersect
with gender-based discrimination, the likelihood of women’s and girls’ exposure to GBV can escalate. For example, adolescent girls
who are forced into child marriage – a form of GBV in itself – may be at greater risk of IPV than adult females. In the case of men,
boys and persons with diverse sexual orientations and gender identities, as well as non-binary individuals, gender-inequitable norms
can increase their exposure to violence driven by a desire to punish those seen as defying gender norms.
For more information, consult the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) (2015) Guidelines for integrating gender-based violence
interventions in humanitarian action: Reducing risk, promoting resilience and aiding recovery, available at:
https://gbvguidelines.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/2015-IASC-Gender-based-Violence-Guidelines_lo-res.pdf
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Guiding principles and introduction to Psychological
First Aid
The principles that guide and support to the GBV
survivors (survivor-centered approach) while a
practitioner encountered are :-
1. Safety
2. Confidentiality
3. Respect and
4. Non-discrimination
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Sexual exploitation and abuse by a humanitarian actor
Protection from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) is the term used to refer to
all those systems put in place with the purpose to protect vulnerable people
from sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian actors and associated
personnel in a humanitarian context. This includes frontline workers,
volunteers, guards, contractors, United Nations (UN) mission and police
personnel, staff representing national authorities and institutions, suppliers of
goods and services for humanitarian aid, overall assistance and so on.
Regardless of who the perpetrator is, the approach to supporting any survivor of
gender-based violence (GBV) – as outlined in this guide – remains the same.
For additional responsibilities that arise when the perpetrator is a
humanitarian aid worker or any other frontline worker, it is important to check
the protocols of the organization or institution with legal experts.
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Principles
The UN promotes six core principles relating to PSEA:
1. Sexual exploitation and abuse by humanitarian workers constitute acts of gross misconduct and are therefore grounds for termination
of employment.
2.Sexual activity with persons under the age of 18 is prohibited, regardless of the age of majority or the age of consent locally. Mistaken
belief regarding the age of a child is not a defence.
3. Exchange of money, employment, goods, or services for sex, including sexual favours or other forms of humiliating, degrading or
exploitative behaviour, is prohibited. This includes the exchange of assistance that is due to beneficiaries.
4. Any sexual relationship between those providing humanitarian assistance and protection and a person benefiting from such
humanitarian assistance and protection that involves improper use of rank or position is prohibited. Such relationships undermine
the credibility and integrity of humanitarian aid work.
5.Where a humanitarian worker develops concerns or suspicions regarding sexual abuse or exploitation by a fellow worker, whether in
the same agency or not, they must report such concerns via established agency reporting mechanisms.
6.Humanitarian workers are obliged to create and maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse and promotes
the implementation of their code of conduct. Managers at all levels have particular responsibilities to support and develop systems
that maintain this environment.
Further reading:
https://interagencystandingcommittee.org/system/files/181101_iasc_champions_sea_sh_strategy_final.pdf
https://emergency.unhcr.org/entry/32428/protection-from-sexual-exploitation-and-abuse-psea
Humanitarian principles | UNHCR
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What is PFA? • Humane, suppor&ve and
prac&cal assistance to fellow human beings
who recently suffered exposure to serious
stressors, and involves
The decision-making map to support GBV
survivors is a 'map' that can help us use the
psychological first aid approach correctly
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What is PFA? • Humane, supportive and practical
assistance to fellow human beings who recently suffered
exposure to serious stressors, and involves :
• Non-intrusive, practical care and support
• Assessing needs and concerns
• Helping people to address basic needs (food, water)
• Listening, but not pressuring people to talk
• Comforting people and helping them to feel calm
• Helping people connect to information, services and social
supports
• Protecting people from further harm
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What PFA is NOT?
• It is NOT something only professionals can do
• It is NOT professional counselling
• It is NOT “psychological debriefing” -No detailed
discussion of the distressing event
• It is NOT asking people to analyze what happened or
put me and events in order
• Although PFA involves being available to listen to
people’s stories, it is NOT pressuring people to tell
you their feelings or reactions to an event
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Survivors of GBV typically have multiple and
complex needs that require a comprehensive set
of services. A multi-sectoral response is needed
to effectively provide all of these services.
Services can include any or all of the following:
health, psychosocial, security & protection, and
legal/justice.
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Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case
management Gender-Based Violence (GBV)
case management is a structured, survivor-
centered process. A dedicated caseworker helps
a survivor identify their physical, emotional, and
social needs. The worker then creates an action
plan, offers emotional support, and safely
connects the survivor to medical, legal, and
housing services.
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Every individual has values based on their beliefs
and these shapes behavior
There fore the frontline workers are expected to
align with the guideline putting in to practice the
recommendations in the guideline
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The support of linguistic-cultural mediators
The support of specialized and trained linguistic-cultural mediators (LCMs) is highly recommended and in
some cases essential so that the services offered to survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) are
accessible and understandable.Furthermore, it is recommended and considered good practice to have
female trained LCMs when dealing with GBV survivors.
In addition to providing an accurate translation service, LCMs contribute to an adequate response to
individual needs and requirements related to possible religious, cultural and social aspects.Using an
LCM makes it easier to establish a relationship of mutual trust and respect between a GBV survivor and
the frontline worker assisting them. Linguistic-cultural mediation is a way for the GBV survivor to access
services and for the frontline worker to manage their cases more effectively.
In addition to translations, LCMs can also provide information on customs and traditions, cultural taboos,
vernacular phrases, culturally charged gestures, body language, and time. An LCM can work
permanently as part of a specific service or work ‘on-call’; in both cases, it is important that before a
three-way interview with another worker (legal, social, health, psychiatric, etc.), the LCM is adequately
trained on GBV guiding principles and psychological first aid (PFA), and they are aware of the objectives
and purpose of the service provided and/or of the interview. It is important to take time after the interview
to exchange views on how it went and to clarify any complex issues or doubts.
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In the event of an encounter with GBV survivors who speak rare languages, frontline workers
will gradually build up a portfolio with the references of LCMs that an organization can
contact in case of need, making sure that they have adequate training on the
topic.Expanding the network of collaborators is useful to offer adequate support to the
workforce but especially to GBV survivors, always with their consent.
In their day-to-day work, LCMs might have to deal personally with hearing about violent
experiences. In this case, before referring a GBV survivor to specialized services, LCMs
are obliged to observe the guiding principles of supporting a GBV survivor and follow the
PFA steps as outlined in the course module, just like any other humanitarian worker.
Often LCMs may also find themself supporting other frontline workers in assisting GBV
survivors as a mediator. In this case, an LCM should not forget the limitations and
requirements of their role: if supporting other frontline workers, an LCM should leave them
to handle the interview and provide the cultural and contextual references necessary to
facilitate communication and understanding between the parties.
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Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a humane,
supportive approach to helping individuals in
distress. When supporting Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) survivors, PFA relies on three
core stages: Look, Listen, and Link
Three phases of PFA are Look, Listen and Link
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1. Look
Observe surroundings: Ensure the setting is physically and emotionally safe for both you and the
survivor.
Assess for harm: Check for urgent, life-threatening dangers or severe injuries requiring medical help.
Spot distress: Identify signs of distress such as confusion, panic, crying, or withdrawal
2. Listen
Approach carefully: Ask for consent before offering help. State your name and your intent to assist.
Listen actively: Pay close attention with empathy, and do not press the survivor to share details.
Validate: Assure them that they are safe, the violence was not their fault, and their feelings are normal
3. Link
Identify needs: Ask the survivor what they need most in that moment (e.g., a safe place to stay, medical
care).
Connect to services: Share accurate information about local resources, such as medical care,
counseling, and hotlines.
Respect choices: Do not make decisions for the survivor. Respect their autonomy and only make
referrals if they give you permission to do so
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DO'S AND DON'TS in the successive three
stages
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Guiding principles and first steps to support a child (including adolescent) survivor
Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse cases
Frontline workers must always take into account the best interests of the child:
The child must know what is happening to them and be given the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers they can
understand.During these steps, the presence of a linguistic-cultural mediator (LCM) can provide considerable comfort.
Children, particularly adolescents, should be part of the decision-making process on how to deal with mandatory reporting in
the safest and most confidential way possible. This means that frontline workers should consider the child’s opinions
and ideas on how to report the allegation. It doesn’t mean that the frontline worker and child can decide whether or not
to make a report, but rather that they can help decide how and when to report it.
Frontline workers must not make promises they can’t keep. A child might say: “I have to tell you something, but you have to
promise to keep it a secret”. The child's trust has most probably already been betrayed by a person close to them. The
frontline worker must let the child know that they can trust them, but they must also inform the child that they may be
obliged to share some of the information they have been told to protect the child, reassuring the child that they will
discuss the details together. If the child discloses that they are being abused and that they are not safe, the frontline
worker must talk to the designed protection authority and the child has to understand that the frontline worker cannot
keep the information confidential.
All parties involved must be aware of their legal obligations, if any, and of the relevant professional codes of conduct to ensure
that the child and those responsible for them are well informed about their position, their limitations, if any, and about
confidentiality rules. Once the child or those responsible for the child are fully aware of the reporting obligations, the
frontline worker can help the child to make informed decisions, keeping the relationship of trust intact.
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Supporting child survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) requires
child-centered care anchored by four core principles:
• Best Interests of the Child: All decisions must prioritize the
child's safety, well-being, and development.
• Right to Life, Survival, and Development: Care must empower
the child to heal and reach their full potential.
• Respect for the Child’s Views: Children have the right to
express their feelings and participate in decisions about their lives,
according to their age and maturity.
• Non-discrimination: All children deserve equal, high-quality care
regardless of race, gender, age, or background
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The Caring for Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse
(CCS) resources articulate the knowledge,
attitudes, and skills necessary for Gender-Based
Violence (GBV) caseworkers, Child Protection
(CP) caseworkers, and other relevant service
providers working with young and adolescent girl
and boy survivors of sexual abuse and their
families.
CCS Resource Package Translation Request - GB
V Responders' Network
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Linguistic and cultural mediators (LCMs)
Linguistic and cultural mediators (LCMs) bridge the
gap between people of different backgrounds.
Unlike standard interpreters who only translate
words, LCMs explain the deeper cultural meaning
behind what is said. They help people access
healthcare, legal systems, and social services
without confusion.
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Child-friendly language to ensure the child
understands