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2.8 The notion of “ vulnerability ” and identifying people in a situation of vulnerability
Aim . To clarify the term “ vulnerability ” and how to identify people who are in situations of vulnerability .
In the migration and humanitarian fields , people who are at risk of abuse or harm , or have specific disorders or difficulties , or who need protection and help , are often described as “ vulnerable ” or in “ situations of vulnerability ”. The term covers survivors of sexual violence or abuse and others whose rights have been violated .
Describing groups of people as “ vulnerable ” has been questioned for the same reasons that led many organisations to prefer the term “ survivor ” to the term “ victim ”. It implies , erroneously , that women , children , the old , people who are LGBTQI +, and ( male ) survivors of sexual abuse , etc ., are inherently vulnerable . In fact , as individuals , members of these groups are as capable as other human beings of showing exceptional fortitude , courage and resilience . However , as groups , and in specific situations , they can face higher risks ( to their safety , health , mental health , rights , etc .). To illustrate , pregnant asylum-seeking women are at risk during their pregnancy in ways that other people are not ; people with chronic disorders ( such as kidney failure ) need specific treatment ; and young children who lack parents or caregivers are not able to meet all their needs .
The EU Reception Directive ( 2013 ) lists the categories of people who are considered by the EU to be in situations of vulnerability . 55 It includes : various categories of women ; survivors of sexual violence , rape , genital mutilation , sexual abuse , human trafficking and forced marriage ; survivors of torture ; children ; the elderly ; and people who are mentally and physically ill . Some of these categories may include men , but the texts state that women are the principal group . Unhelpfully , official regulations rarely locate the categories in one document ; most policies also state that cases of vulnerability will be determined case-by-case . In the context of this manual , the following recognised situations of vulnerability are most relevant :
• Survivor of sexual violence .
• Survivor of rape .
• Survivor of psychological violence .
• Survivor of torture .
• Person who is LGBTI +.
• A child or unaccompanied minor .
We have seen how vulnerability is defined . How can helpers identify male survivors of sexual violence or abuse and establish contact in the best possible way ?
Some conditions are visible . Examples : physical disabilities and in some cases mental disabilities .
Others can be identified by relatively simple tests . Examples : undefined body pain , tuberculosis , certain chronic diseases .
More inquiry , including interview , is required to identify social vulnerabilities . Examples : single minors , individuals at risk of human trafficking .