5
INTRODUCTION
Second , not all help should focus on hearing the story . Many different forms of help , support and experience sharing are available . Section 3.3.4 describes how to build strengths and resilience in more detail .
This said , if a survivor trusts you and does want to share his story , listen empathetically and assure the person that you will respect confidentiality . Everything between the helper and survivor should be kept private unless the survivor gives consent for it to be shared . Consider whether specialised support is available , and whether the survivor would benefit from more specialised therapy ( and whether he is ready to accept it ).
1.5 Focus areas
The manual explores the psychological significance of trauma and how traumatic events can affect mental health . What are the signs of severe stress ? How can these be assessed and understood ? As a helper , how can you approach a boy or man who has been exposed to violent sexual experiences ? How can you reach out and create a safe space for supportive conversations ? What forms of contact help survivors to recover ? How can you assist survivors to safely report human rights violations ? How can you act appropriately to safeguard survivors ’ personal security and rights ?
The manual affirms that human rights and respect are key values . It is important to recognise that sexual abuses ( whether experienced in the country of origin or during migration ) are serious violations of human rights . Human rights principles make it possible to evaluate such violations , and also affirm the importance of meeting others in a respectful way , strengthening self-respect , and enabling people to take responsibility for their lives . A willingness to help and listen , to allow survivors to tell their own stories , and to respect their right to self-determination are additional values that should guide the conduct of helpers . In addition , helpers should understand how to manage proximity and distance , be able to provide positive support , and should be comfortable with breaks and silence .
The manual contains elements of theory , but links these to specific situations and experiences . It favours practical exercises that directly help survivors of sexual abuse to manage their daily lives .
1.6 Who is the manual for ?
The manual is designed for helpers and others who want to provide culturally sensitive psychosocial help and support to boys and men who have survived sexual trauma and gender-based violence ( GBV ) in the course of disasters , conflicts and crisis situations , during migration , or after seeking asylum in a third country such . 13 It is not written for psychologists and psychiatrists , but for helpers who directly provide care , help and assistance to people who have been exposed to human rights violations and abuse , notably gender-based and sexual violence .
For the purposes of this manual , a helper is any person who chooses to assist a survivor of sexual violence when providing such help is not his / her primary professional function . Helpers therefore include :