SURVIVOR-CENTERED APPROACHES

Gender-based violence (GBV) encompasses a wide range of behaviors that are rooted in power imbalances and discrimination based on gender. Survivors of GBV often face significant challenges in seeking support and justice due to societal stigma, lack of resources, and systemic barriers. In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of survivor-centered approaches in addressing GBV. These approaches prioritize the needs and experiences of survivors, empowering them to make informed choices about their healing journey.

Survivor-centered approaches in GBV acknowledge the unique experiences and needs of each survivor. They recognize that survivors are experts in their lives and should be actively involved in their safety, well-being, and recovery decision-making processes. This approach shifts the focus from perpetrators to survivors, centering their voices and agency in all aspects of intervention and support services.

One key aspect of survivor-centered approaches is trauma-informed care. Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact of trauma on survivors' mental health, physical health, relationships, and overall well-being. It emphasizes creating safe spaces for survivors to share their stories without fear of judgment or re-traumatization. By understanding the complexities of trauma and its effects on survivors' lives, service providers can offer more compassionate and practical support.

Another critical component of survivor-centered approaches is empowerment-based advocacy. Empowerment-based advocacy builds survivors' self-esteem, confidence, and sense of agency. It involves providing information about rights and options available to survivors so they can make informed decisions about their safety and well-being. Empowerment-based advocacy also consists of supporting survivors in accessing resources such as counseling services, legal assistance, housing support, or financial assistance.

In addition to trauma-informed care and empowerment-based advocacy, survivor-centered approaches prioritize cultural humility and intersectionality. Cultural humility involves recognizing one's biases and limitations when working with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. Service providers must approach each survivor with an open mind, respect for their cultural beliefs and practices, and a willingness to learn from them.

Intersectionality acknowledges that individuals experience multiple forms of oppression based on factors such as race/ethnicity, class, sexual orientation/gender identity (SOGI), disability status, etc., which intersect with gender to shape their experiences with violence & access to services/supports.

By incorporating these principles into practice & policy development around GBV prevention & response efforts, we can create more inclusive & effective interventions that address the complex needs & realities faced by diverse populations affected by GBV.

Survivor-centered approaches play a crucial role in addressing gender-based violence by prioritizing the needs & experiences of those who have experienced harm while empowering them through trauma-informed care, empowerment-based advocacy, cultural humility, and intersectionality. These principles guide us towards creating more equitable, inclusive, and effective responses that center around those most impacted by GBV.