Purpose

This guide is a basic introduction to understanding sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in a psychosocial context. It provides information about different types of SGBV, as well as practical guidance on psychosocial support related to SGBV. It also provides participants with skills and knowledge on how to handle disclosures of SGBV and how to provide psychosocial support to people affected by SGBV.

Overview

• SGBV occurs when there are natural disasters and forced displacements and in conflict situations. It can also take the form of domestic violence and child abuse.
• The impact of SGBV can be divided into: psychological consequences; social consequences; physical consequences; consequences specific to female survivors and consequences specific to male survivors.
• Support people may need, whether at times of crisis, at an early stage of reconstruction or in situations of distress experienced by people over many years include: basic services and security; community and family support; focused non-specialised support and specialised services.
• Principles of the survivor-centred approach include: the principle of safety; the principle of confidentiality; the principle of respect and the principle of non-discrimination.

Usage: Training

Audiences: Technical staff, Gender and diversity practitioners

Reference: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies Reference Centre for Psychosocial Support (2015). Sexual and Gender-based Violence: A Two-day Psychosocial Training. Training guide (pp. 1-64). Available from: http://pscentre.org/wp-content/uploads/SGBV-A-two-day-psychosocial-training-final-version.pdf [Accessed: 24 December 2015].