Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

MODULE 3:Addressing GBV in emergencies

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

Activity:

GBV Risks Across the Stages of an Emergency

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

Why Does GBViE Occur?• Pre-existing - exists independent of, or prior to

emergency or conflict

• *Emergency-related - specific to/resulting from the disaster or conflict

• *Humanitarian-related - caused directly or indirectly by humanitarian environment

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

Why is GBV exacerbated in emergencies?• New threats/forms of GBV related to conflict

• Lack of privacy; overcrowding; lack of safe access to basic needs

• Design of humanitarian aid heightens or introduces new GBV risks

• Separation from family members; lack of documentation; registration discrimination

• Break down of protective social mechanisms and norms regulating behaviour

• Increased vulnerability and dependence; exploitation

• Introduction of new power dynamics, as with humanitarian actors

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

At-Risk Groups • In an emergency there are groups that

may be more vulnerable to harm than others

• These vulnerabilities may intersect

• What are some groups that are at particular risk of GBV where you work?

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

Activity: At-Risk Groups

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

Considerations for At-Risk Groups• Protect the rights and needs of at-risk children • Identify vulnerabilities – such as age, disability,

religion – that intersect with gender-based discrimination and increase exposure to GBV • Strive to reduce at-risk groups exposure to GBV and

other forms of violence • Recognize that at-risk groups may vary by setting

What are some examples of how you reduce risk of violence for at-risk groups?

Key Points - context

• GBV is rooted in gender and power inequalities that exist outside of conflict or disaster.

• However, there are particular ways that GBV can manifest in an emergency context.

• Efforts to reduce GBV in emergencies must therefore address the immediate needs of affected populations AND promote long-term social and cultural change toward gender equality

Reducing the burden of proof

• Always assume that GBV, in particular sexual violence, is occurring.

• Obtaining prevalence data is not a priority at the onset of an emergency.

• Because of under-reporting and the risks associated with obtaining data, the priority is to establish prevention and response measures as soon as possible.

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

GBV and (P)SEA:• (Protection) Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) is an

abuse of power frequently based in gender and age inequality and discrimination

• The SG’s Bulletin requires that all humanitarian personnel ensure action is taken to prevent SEA in their areas of operation, and report it when they observe any risks or abusive behavior.

• Protection from SEA should be linked with GBV programming, especially to ensure survivors’ rights are respected; improve victim assistance and develop community-based complaints mechanisms (CBCMs).  SEA agency focal points should link with GBV

actors to develop referral systems that support survivor-centered care and development of CBCMs. 

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

GBV and (P)SEA (cont’d):• Ultimate accountability for PSEA lies

with senior management (Country Representatives) and human resources (Heads of HR Departments)

• The GBV Guidelines fully support the

mandate of the SG’s Bulletin and provide recommendations within each thematic area on programming to mitigate SEA, including incorporating PSEA strategies into agency policies and community outreach

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

“I always hear you talk about GBV prevention & response. What does that mean?

…and what on earth is risk mitigation?”

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

RESPONSE• What: interventions to

address the consequences of GBV after it has happened

• How: through specialized services

• Examples?

• Who: GBV, Health and Protection specialists, who have had appropriate training

PREVENTION• What: interventions

to prevent GBV from first occurring

• How: address root causes

Examples?

• Who: ALL humanitarian actors, governments, communities….everyone!

MITIGATION • What: reducing the

risk of exposure to GBV

• How: address contributing factors

Examples?

• Who: ALL humanitarian actors, governments, communities, everyone!

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

SPECIALIZED PROGRAMMING: specialists

• Direct service delivery• Case management• Psychosocial support• Clinical care• Legal support• Economic reintegration

GBV “MAINSTREAMING”: all actors

• Avoid creating or exacerbating risks of GBV

• Reducing existing risks • Understanding and linking

to referral mechanisms for GBV survivors

• Applying core minimum standards into agency activities

Guidelines for Integrating Gender-based Violence Interventions in Humanitarian Action

Questions?