Providing an initial response to gender-based violence
UNICEF, UNHCR and IOM e-learning for humanitarian workers.
UNICEF, UNHCR and IOM launched an online course "How to provide first support to survivors of gender-based violence", an adaptation to the European context based on the inter-agency Pocket Guide “How to support survivors of GBV when a GBV actor is not available in your area.”
The objective of the online course is to strengthen the skills of humanitarian workers that are not specialized on GBV response, in providing initial support to survivors of gender-based violence, with a focus on migrant and refugee survivors and displaced people with diverse backgrounds, and to offer them useful information on available GBV specialised services.
The e-learning was first developed in 2021 by UNICEF, UNHCR and IOM in Italy, based on the Italian adaptation of the GBV pocket guide. Recognizing that interventions to address GBV should be put at the forefront of humanitarian assistance in line with international guidelines, in 2022 this version was then adapted for use in Europe and beyond.
The course lasts about two hours and is hosted on UNICEF's Learning Passport platform, free of charge, in a self-paced learning mode. People on the move, particularly women and girls, face high risks of gender-based violence before, during and after their journey. Therefore, it is crucial that all staff in contact with migrants and refugees are prepared to intervene promptly and decisively to provide first concrete support to survivors of gender-based violence.
When supporting a survivor of gender-based violence, it is crucial to act in accordance with the guiding principles of ensuring safety and confidentiality and respecting the dignity of the survivor, always observing the principle of non-discrimination. The course reiterates the need, to provide psychological first aid, emphasising the importance of adequate preparation of frontline workers, and the importance of observing, listening and connecting with local services.
Online training platforms are proving to be effective tools to ensure continuity and sustainability of training interventions. They enable strengthening the capacities of frontline workers across Europe, with a view of fostering the adoption of harmonised approaches in supporting and referring survivors of gender-based violence to specialised services.
To enrol, users can easily access the Learning Passport online platform by following few simple steps:
- Click on the "Enter" or "Start" button;
- Enter your phone number (choosing the country code);
- Enter the code received;
- Fill in the profile data;
- Click on 'Course Library';
- Register for the course and start following the modules.
At the end of the course, those who have achieved the minimum score will receive a certificate of participation.