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In many contexts, survivors of VAWG and the families of survivors of VAWG go to traditional and faith leaders to support dispute resolution, even when formal dispute resolution options are available. However, in contexts with existing patriarchal hierarchies and harmful practices that put women and girls at risk of VAWG, traditional and faith leaders may not take a survivor-centred approach to dispute resolution processes. For example, they may blame the survivor for the perpetrator’s actions or focus on retribution for the family rather than the survivor herself. In some contexts, this can…

Depending on the nature of the mobile or remote services offered, there may still be a need to connect survivors to further services. It is therefore important to ensure these services are integrated into wider referral systems and to strengthen these as needed. For example, in order to maximise the quality of care and referrals available to survivors, service providers should consider the following actions:

Develop and/or standardise protocols and policies for GBV-related programming that ensure confidential, compassionate and quality care of survivors and referral pathways for multi…

Many survivors will not disclose violence to a service provider (i.e. healthcare) due to fear of repercussions, social stigma, rejection from partners/families and other reasons. If service providers are not well trained, they may not be able to detect the indicators of violence. If the provider does not ask the right questions, or if the facility’s information doesn’t clearly show available services, survivors might feel discouraged from asking for help. Similarly, if the provider behaves in a way that suggests they will not handle reports of violence with respect, survivors might feel…

In remote and mobile contexts, staff may feel powerless to offer support to VAWG survivors, which in turn can be very distressing. It is important to constantly monitor staff wellbeing and safety throughout service delivery, not only to prevent burnout, but to facilitate service providers’ capacity to provide the best care and services to survivors. Organisations need to make an explicit commitment to staff wellbeing and implement specific strategies for promoting it. This can be done as a part of the design phase, in order to anticipate and address any potential safety issues, as well as…

Community focal points are an essential part of implementing mobile and remote service delivery; not only can they support the social and cultural contextualisation of programming, they can also provide informed outreach to the community, and support with activity implementation. Providing them with key resources, training and capacity building can ensure safe and effective mobile and remote service delivery in the short and long-term, and guarantee a whole of society approach to programme delivery. EVAWG sustainability should be considered and planned for from the outset of programming…

Security and needs assessments should inform the design and delivery of remote and mobile response services, which can provide a range of survivor support services, including health, judicial and protection responses. These models can be designed according to the Leave No One Behind Principle to meet the needs of GBV survivors from vulnerable, displaced, out-of-camp populations, dispersed in urban and rural settings, who are often hidden, difficult to reach, isolated, and at heightened risk of violence or disabled.

Before designing remote or mobile responses, ensure services are made…

Remote and mobile services can be designed and implemented as both stand-alone or combined interventions. The best combinations might vary based on the situation. To ensure the target population uses the services, and feels safe and confident in doing so, it’s important to consult them and consider potential barriers to access. It’s also important to consider the staffing, funding and training needs for each service delivery model, to ensure that they can be sustainably managed. Some examples of remote or mobile services include:

Remote Service Delivery
Mobile Service Delivery

P…

Survivors of VAWG are at high risk of social ostracisation, isolation, discrimination, and further violence and harassment by communities and families. This is especially the case in contexts where sexual violence is considered taboo and where there is a culture of victim blaming. In some cases, where violence has been experienced within the family or communities, survivors may choose to relocate to a different community where they feel safer. In this context, they may lack existing social networks that can help them recover and navigate their lives, while healing from the violence they were…

Survivors of VAWG face compounded risks of violence, abuse and harassment. It is essential that they understand their human rights, including their sexual and reproductive health rights. In many contexts, discussion about sexual and reproductive rights is taboo, making it difficult for women and girls to access this information. Programmes can support survivors to learn about their rights through education and training initiatives. These initiatives should be clear about what their rights are and delivered in a culturally sensitive and age appropriate manner in order to maximise impact and…

Survivors of VAWG are at risk of feelings of isolation and loneliness when returning to communities or starting new lives in new communities. Developing networks of survivors can help ensure survivors are in touch with others who have had relatable experiences, can share the challenges they have faced and work together to overcome these challenges. Engaging with survivor networks can also support survivors to build solidarity, offer opportunities to support other survivors to recover from their experiences and witness progress made by other survivors towards healing, and increases the…