GBV in a wider context
GBV does not occur in isolation . Interventions to protect the mental health of survivors must take account of broader humanitarian guidance .
“ Guidelines for Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Settings ”, published by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee ( IASC 2015 ), indicates the minimum support that should be in place to prevent and respond to GBV . Survivors of GBV need help to cope with immediate physical injuries , as well as psychological and social support , security , and legal redress . At the same time , prevention programmes should address the causes of GBV and factors that contribute to it . Those who manage protection programmes or provide protection services should be “ GBV informed ”: they should have the knowledge , skills , and compassion required to help GBV survivors . Workers who provide mental health and psychosocial support can cause harm if they do not manage its many sensitive issues professionally . The IASC “ Guidelines on Mental Health and Psychosocial Support in Emergency Settings ” ( 2008 ) provides a list of ‘ dos and don ’ ts ’ in this respect .
Survivors of GBV need different forms of support at different stages . When violence occurs , and when communities are in the midst of conflict or an emergency and protection mechanisms are not functioning , it can be difficult to train helpers to handle or supervise GBV cases or create conditions for healing afterwards . To plan training , consult the matrix in Chapter 3 of the IASC Guidelines ( 2005 ). This lists recommended interventions for preventing and responding to sexual violence in emergencies .
In addition to the IASC guidelines , helpers should be familiar with the four protection principles . The Sphere Handbook ( 2011 ) states that protection should do no harm , should provide assistance , should provide protection from violence or coercion , and should help people who are affected by disaster or armed conflict to claim their rights . These four principles capture the fundamental obligations associated with humanitarian response and should be implemented .
A valuable quick-reference tool is the GBV coordination handbook . This provides practical guidance on leadership roles , including key responsibilities and specific actions that any GBV coordination plan in an emergency should include . Many societies , especially ones recurrently affected by disasters or conflict , establish emergency plans . Initiatives to prevent and respond to GBV should be integrated in such plans . When doing this , always make use of existing knowledge and capacity ; do not re-invent the wheel .
Mental health and psychosocial support for conflict-related sexual violence : principles and interventions ( WHO 2012 ) is an introduction to mental health and GBV . To make sure that clinical management of GBV survivors is properly handled , read Clinical Management of Rape Survivors ( WHO 2004 ). It describes best practices and summarises the issues that must be addressed .