102 Protecting a survivor when she reports what happened to her
TO THE TRAINER
PART II: THE TRAINING
Protecting a survivor when she reports what happened to her
Aim. To outline best practice rules when a survivor decides to describe her experience formally( report to the authorities, file a complaint, prosecute the perpetrator, or report in any other context). To consider the possible risks involved in reporting.
For more information, refer to Section 8 of Part III.
Introduce the issue. Note that it is important to document and file complaints about severe violations, in particular sexual and gender based violence. At the same time, underline that, for a survivor, reporting can be a very challenging and possibly re-traumatising undertaking. Encourage a discussion, based on the participants’ experience of complaints and reporting. Consider how a human rights-based approach can make a difference.
KEY POINT
The story shows that a survivor who reports needs to
• Agree a stop signal to make sure she can remain in charge of her own story.
• Use grounding techniques when she feels triggered.
• Understand and think through the dilemmas associated with reporting.
TEACHING INSTRUCTION. KEY POINTS WITH REGARD TO REPORTING.
Put the points below on the wall and discuss them. They will help survivors to understand and discuss the dilemmas associated with reporting, and talk about their trauma without being overwhelmed before, during or after they report.
Before reporting
1. Make sure the survivor understands what reporting means and implies, including risks. 2. Explore the outcome she expects. Consider both her hopes and her fears. 3. Remember the human rights principles of participation. Never pressure her to report to any official body or speak of her rape or the violence she has experienced, if she is not ready or willing. 4. Accountability is not always respected. If she wants to speak, ensure she understands the implications, including that she may not be treated in a professional, kind or respectful manner. 5. Make sure she realises that, however thoroughly she reports, the outcome may not bring a result that tangibly benefits her. 6. Prepare her for the possibility that retelling her story may evoke bad memories and that she may feel overwhelmed.
During reporting
7. Ensure that someone is with the survivor, in whom she has confidence and can confide.
8. Encourage her to use techniques for staying in the present moment. For example, she can ground herself( Grounding Exercise 1), hold something in her hand( Grounding Exercise 3), or name things she sees, hears or touches( Grounding Exercise 3).
9. Make sure the environment is as safe as possible, and that she has oversight and support.