7 Innovative Approaches to Support Gender-based Violence Survivors in the Aftermath of Humanitarian Crises

7 Innovative Approaches to Support Gender-based Violence Survivors in the Aftermath of Humanitarian Crises

The impact of gender-based violence can be devastating during humanitarian crises, yet the complex and sensitive nature of this issue often leads to it being overlooked. To create a meaningful change in the lives of survivors, efforts must go beyond traditional responses towards initiatives that are innovative and grounded in survivor needs and rights.

This article looks at seven such approaches for informing the landscape on how to better support gender-based violence survivors impacted by war, environmental disasters or other mass crises.

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Technology-facilitated Gender-based Violence

Solutions to Combat Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence

Technology has undoubtedly transformed the way we communicate and interact with one another. But, it has also given rise to a new and alarming problem – gender-based violence facilitated by technology. This is a growing concern that requires immediate attention.

Perpetrators have found new and sophisticated ways to exploit their victims through digital platforms such as email, social media, and messaging services. This type of violence, also known as Technology-facilitated Gender-based Violence (TFGV), is affecting women and girls at an alarming rate. Unfortunately, underserved communities are at a higher disadvantage when it comes to safer use of technology.

The United Nations has conducted research showing that approximately 73% of women have experienced some form of cyber violence. This is a staggering statistic that should not be ignored.

However, we cannot let the advancement of technology hinder the progress that has been made in addressing gender-based violence. It’s time to take action. We need to take measures to help solve this problem.

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Harnessing Technology to Address Conflict-Related Sexual Violence

Conflict-related sexual violence is one of the most degrading forms of human rights violations. In areas of conflict, women, men, girls, and boys experience sexual violence at unprecedented rates. This grave violation affects survivors’ physical and mental health and makes them more vulnerable to further abuse. Thus, addressing sexual violence in areas of conflict is crucial for not only ending the predatory behavior but also restoring the survivors’ dignity and self-worth.

Harnessing technology to address conflict-related sexual violence is an ongoing process that will continue to evolve as the technology landscape evolves. Technology has played a vital role in providing education, support, and mitigation of sexual violence in conflict zones. From social media to big data and virtual reality, technology has created innovative ways to solve one of the most dramatic human rights challenges of our time. While there is still more work to be done, technology has opened up the door to new ways of thinking and acting against this issue.

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Digital Age

The Digital Age and its Impact on Child Rights and Online Violence

As technology continues to evolve and take center stage in our daily lives, more and more young people are taking to the internet as a means of connecting with others, gaining information and entertainment, and expressing themselves. Unfortunately, with this newfound avenue for communication comes a new challenge involving child rights and online violence. The virtual world has unfortunately become a haven for bullying, exploitation, and even cyber crimes. There is need to recognize the significant impact of the digital age on child rights and online violence and take appropriate measures to prevent online violence and promote child safety.

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Using Data to Expose Gender-Based Violence in Different Communities

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global issue that robs people of their basic right to safety and security. While GBV can affect anyone, it disproportionately affects women and girls. In many communities worldwide, GBV is a pervasive social problem, driven by cultural norms and patriarchal attitudes. To tackle GBV effectively, it is essential to understand its nature and extent in different communities. Data-driven approaches play a critical role in exposing GBV, identifying patterns, and developing evidence-based policies and interventions. This blog explores how data can help expose GBV in different communities, leading to better policy and intervention outcomes.

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Mental Health Awareness For Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

Mental health awareness is essential for ensuring that survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) receive the care they need to heal and move forward with their lives. Governments and NGOs can help by providing safe spaces, specialized services, and training staff who will be working with GBV survivors. Through a holistic approach to care, we can create a better future for survivors.

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5 Ways To Help A Person Going Through Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence (GBV) affects millions of people across the globe in a multitude of ways. While progress has been made to reduce it, many are still suffering and need our help. Whether you have someone close who is struggling with GBV or wish to get involved on an advocacy level – there’s plenty we can do as individuals to support those affected by this horrible crime. We must first remember that for real breakthroughs occur, survivors must be willing and able to empower themselves too. Check out five powerful ideas that could make a difference when fighting gender-based violence.

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Eliminating Gender-Based Violence – Education Just One Solution

Eliminating Gender-Based Violence – Education Just One Solution

Gender-based violence is a major global issue that affects countless individuals and communities every day. From intimate partner violence to child marriage, extreme forms of oppressive behavior can have devastating physical, mental, and emotional consequences for those impacted by it. While eliminating gender-based violence in its entirety requires addressing a broad spectrum of factors like cultural norms and unequal power dynamics in relationships, education plays an integral role as well. In this post, we’ll explore the multiple ways that education can help create safer environments free from any kind of gender-based oppression or abuse.

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Gender-based Violence and People with Disability

Gender-based Violence against People with Disability: An Overlooked Issue

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a global phenomenon that affects millions of individuals – including those with disability – regardless of socioeconomic background, race, and age.

Unfortunately, people with disability are especially vulnerable to the devastating effects of gender-based violence. There is a growing recognition by international organizations, governments, civil society, and other stakeholders that GBV within this population must be acknowledged and addressed. To better equip actors working on the topic from different angles and areas, it is essential to understand the unique challenges faced by people with disability when experiencing GBV as well as potential solutions available for responding to this issue at all levels. In this blog, we will take an in-depth look at how gender-based violence impacts people with disability and what options are available for effective prevention strategies.

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Men: It’s time to take a Stand against Violence against Women

We are in the midst of an ongoing crisis. Violence against women is one of the most pervasive and deadliest human rights violations that affect millions around the world every year. Yet, despite its prevalence and devastating impact, violence against women remains largely unreported, undiscussed, and unaddressed – often due to a lack of awareness or taboos around discussing such a complex issue. But taking a stand on this issue is essential if we ever want to make real progress. That’s why it’s time for men around the world, from diverse backgrounds, cultural contexts and belief systems – to take a stand together against any form of gender-based violence and be part of the solution.

You can start by taking ownership of your own actions and joining forces with others in the fight for creating safe homes and public lives free from oppression. Whether it’s signing up for anti-violence campaigns or lending your support to survivors – every action counts towards making this change happen.

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Domestic Violence the Morning After: No Matter How Strong I am, the Trauma Will Always Be a Part of Me

“Some of my delay in sharing stemmed from my culture. As an Indian American woman, I grew up understanding that a portion of my existence was based on “fitting in.” Speaking up and sharing my story or the significant amount of domestic violence in our community was not and still is not considered socially acceptable. It’s not openly discussed.”

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Blaming The Victim

RECENT debates linking how women dress to the issue of rape have only reinforced the need for a more scientific conversation around violence against women in our society.

Blaming the victim in cases of sexual violence may be a global phenomenon. But it is particularly endemic in patrilinear cultures where restrictive beliefs about women’s roles and rights in society dominate.

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Financial abuse

Financial Abuse Occurs in 99% Of Domestic Violence Cases!

In most times when we talk about domestic violence, we tend to focus on physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. But what about financial abuse? Rarely does it come up because people don’t understand how big an issue it is. Sadly, this abuse or control of one’s access to family finances and assets is prevalent and occurs in up to 99 percent of domestic violence cases.

So, why are we not talking about it?

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5 Ways To Help A Person Going Through Domestic Violence

If you know or suspect that a loved one is going through domestic violence, you might feel clueless about the best way to help. Simple actions such as reaching out and letting them know that you are there for them can provide tremendous relief and save a life. Here are simple actions you can take to provide support and save someone’s life in the process.

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Gender Equality

12 Ways to Promote Gender Equality: Preventing Violence against Women

Gender equality is a major issue in many societies. One way of promoting this will be to prevent violence against women through education, awareness, and activism campaigns. Violence has a significant impact on not only individual victims but their families and friends as well. The first thing we need to do is change how society views gender inequality. As we prepare for the Generation Equality Forum tomorrow in Paris here are ways we can support gender equality in our community.

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Let’s talk about sexual violence…

Sexual violence is a serious issue. It affects everyone in society and has no boundaries. The effects can be devastating, often involving life-changing consequences such as unwanted pregnancies, mental and physical problems, sexually transmitted infections, and sleep and eating disorders. It’s important to know the facts about sexual violence so we can work together to prevent it.

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Blaming The Victim

RECENT debates linking how women dress to the issue of rape have only reinforced the need for a more scientific conversation around violence against women in our society.

Blaming the victim in cases of sexual violence may be a global phenomenon. But it is particularly endemic in patrilinear cultures where restrictive beliefs about women’s roles and rights in society dominate.

Read More
Financial abuse

What You Should Know About Financial Abuse!

In most times when we talk about domestic violence, we tend to focus on physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Rarely does financial abuse come to mind. But why? Because financial abuse is less commonly understood or spoken about form of abuse. Sadly, this abuse or control of one’s access to family finances and assets is prevalent and occurs in up to 99 percent of domestic violence cases.

So, why are we not talking about it?

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Are You Being Emotionally Abused?

Many people are being emotionally abused without realizing it. Many wonder whether they are being abused but are confused as to what exactly emotional abuse is. As a way to help clear up any confusion you may have as to whether you are being emotionally abused, I present the most common tactics used by abusive people. The typical emotional abuser has an entire repertoire of tools he or she can use to manipulate and control their partner. While not every abuser uses these tactics in a deliberate, conscious way, many do.

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Emotional Abuse

Are You Being Emotionally Abused? Part 1

Many people are being emotionally abused without realizing it. Many wonder whether they are being abused but are confused as to what exactly emotional abuse is. As a way to help clear up any confusion you may have as to whether you are being emotionally abused, I present the most common tactics used by abusive people. The typical emotional abuser has an entire repertoire of tools he or she can use to manipulate and control their partner. While not every abuser uses these tactics in a deliberate, conscious way, many do.

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Why Is It Difficult To Leave An Abusive Relationship?

“Why don’t they leave?” is often the first response posed to survivors, implying that they are to blame for the abuse.

When one has no knowledge or has never experienced abuse, it can be difficult to understand the deep emotional grip abusers have on their victims. That is why to simply leave is not as easy as going to the shops. A lot of safety planning, talking to trusted friends and being ready for a healthy life has to go in to creating an escape route.

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Financial Abuse

What You Should Know About Financial Abuse

In most times when we talk about domestic violence, we tend to focus on physical, sexual and emotional abuse. Rarely does financial abuse come to mind. But why? Because financial abuse is less commonly understood or spoken about form of abuse. Sadly, this abuse or control of one’s access to family finances and assets is prevalent and occurs in up to 99 percent of domestic violence cases.

So, why are we not talking about it?

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Preventing, Responding And Eliminating Violence Against Women

Violence against women is deeply rooted in gender-based discrimination, social norms that accept violence, and gender stereotypes that continue cycles of violence. Many efforts to address this vice have mostly concentrated on response efforts and paid less attention to primary prevention which is the key to eliminating violence against women and girls completely.

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Domestic Violence In The South Asian Community Is Rising During The Pandemic – Here’s How You Can Help

I am a survivor of domestic violence.

Ending a mentally and physically abusive relationship was the hardest thing I have ever done. Nearly 13 years later, the details of my relationship are still hard to share. I know I am lucky to have escaped. I’m thankful to be alive and that my life is free from abuse, control and the exhaustion that comes from living in fear.

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Why I Have A Problem With The Term ‘Domestic Abuse Survivor’

I have a problem with the term ‘domestic abuse survivor’.

Bear with me on this. I’m saying this from the point of view of a survivor of domestic abuse. Most of my adult relationships have been abusive. I’ve been through physical, sexual, psychological and economical abuse so I tick the boxes.

I support all of the campaigns that help victims of domestic abuse regardless of gender, creed, colour or sexual orientation.

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COVID-19: Supporting SGBV Survivors During A Pandemic

The year 2020 has been an incredibly difficult year, more so for victims and survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) in Nigeria who have had to deal with the impact of two pandemics; COVID-19 and SGBV.

In May, Uwa was brutally raped in a church in Benin, the gruesome attack led to her death. Barakat Bello was raped and killed in her home in June; and Grace Oshiagwu was raped and killed in Ibadan.

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Older Women: The Hidden Victims Of Gender-Based Violence

GBV is a growing problem among older couples, women of age 50+ but it is not always taken seriously. So, they suffer in silence. It is rampant but mostly hidden because most victims fear reporting. This scenario is as a result of cultural, and social factors and norms, fear and embarrassment to ask for help, and the belief that the menace affects mostly the young women.

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Let’s talk about sexual violence…

Sexual violence is among the most damaging crimes a person can inflict on another. The effects can be devastating, often involving life – changing consequences such as unwanted pregnancies, mental and physical problems, sexually transmitted infections, and sleep and eating disorders.

Sadly, accurate information about the extent of sexual violence is difficult to obtain because most of these crimes are seriously under-reported to law enforcement.

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Approaches To Healing From Trauma

It may be impossible to assess the long-term toxic mental impact of the trauma resulting from COVID-19. It’s unprecedented and could have far reaching effects on people. There may not be enough and reliable data on previous high impact global traumatic incidences like the Spanish pandemic of 1918 or Ebola of 2014 -2016, that would inform how best to synthesize the impact of this latest trauma. We can only warn that all collaborative caution should be taken to mitigate its impact. Left unattended, any trauma could escalate, leaving untold misery in its wake.

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Stop Stigma Surrounding Domestic Violence: Learn About It And Support Victims

Domestic violence is a global pandemic that continues to evoke devastating impact on survivors, their families and society at large. The responsibility is always put on the victim with the most common question being, why didn’t you just leave. Stigma and victim blaming make it difficult for victims to report and seek help. It is therefore, crucial for everyone to learn about domestic violence to better support victims and raise awareness.

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Older Women: The Hidden Victims Of Gender-Based Violence

Gender-based violence affects women of all ages. However, women aged 50+, have been left out of demographic surveys and studies. Most of the documented data is for women aged 15 -49 years. The lack of reliable and comprehensible data on this group makes it even difficult to design appropriate policies and interventions to support them. As a result, they end up invisible and neglected. We need to change this.

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