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PART III: THEORY
• Encourage a person who complains to ask for information and an explanation of the process from the official to whom she reports her abuse.
• Encourage a survivor who complains to be realistic about the outcome that she can expect. Judicial processes are extremely cumbersome and there is no guarantee that her case will be heard or that she will win it.
• It may be wise to inform her that reporting could create serious problems, that public officials not only are not helpers but may be dishonest, and the system may lack competence and even be corrupt. Where this is so, help the survivor to make the best possible choice.
• Encourage the woman to explore possibilities of reparation and compensation in the course of preparing her complaint; this is important.
• All those involved in this work should be aware of the different international laws, mechanisms and standards that are relevant to reporting, protection and investigation when human rights are violated. An important principle of international law is to hold perpetrators to account. To make this possible, it is important to be aware of relevant rules and standards. In Further reading you can find more information on reporting guidelines and what you need to be aware of.