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Preface
This training material has been written for the many individuals who provide assistance and support to women who survive gender-based violence ( GBV ) and sexual trauma during disasters , wars and conflicts . We hope it may be helpful as well to those who work with gender-based violence in other settings .
A number of manuals and guidelines address different and important aspects of GBV , including its prevention , the education of men and boys , and GBV in emergency settings . An overview of the most important contributions to this field can be found on page 2 ( GBV in a wider context ). The goal of this manual is to fill a gap by providing more information on the effects of GBV on mental health , and how to use this knowledge when engaging with survivors of GBV . Our hope is that the training will guide and assist helpers in the important work they do . In particular , we hope it will help trainers to identify and understand reactions to trauma , and deal with the different immediate and long term responses that women display after they experience traumatic events .
This training has been developed for use in situations where helpers have limited or no access to specialised health services , and where humanitarian workers must deal with severe human loss , sorrow and distress in the midst of insecurity , conflict and war .
This manual can be used in different ways . It may supplement and deepen the understanding of those who already have experience and expertise . Its first purpose , however , is to train helpers to work with and understand trauma . We hope it will provide a reliable tool for helpers who teach other helpers and for groups of helpers who need self-study materials . The manual can be read , studied and discussed , and the exercises it contains can be tested and applied in group work and study .
The manual explores the psychological meaning of trauma and how traumatic events affect mental health . What are the signs of severe stress ? How can these be assessed and understood ? How does a helper approach a very distressed woman shortly after she has been through dreadful and violent experiences ? How can we create safe spaces that permit supportive dialogues and forms of contact that can help survivors to recover and heal ?
Respect is a key value . Willingness to help and listen , allow survivors to control their own stories , and respect their self-determination , are important values that shape the way survivors should be approached . In addition , a helper needs to know how to manage closeness and distance , how to give positive support , and how to tolerate silence . The manual includes elements of theory ( especially in Part III ) but focuses on practical training techniques that directly assist survivors . We hope it gives helpers tools they can use to assist survivors of GBV to rebuild their lives and regain their sense of dignity .