Gender-Based Violence Case Management in Emergencies: Principles and Process
Case Management
Managing Gender-Based Violence Programmes in Emergencies
1
Objectives
1.
Understand the case management process for support
of survivors of GBV
2.
Understand how case management services can be
tailored to survivors of different ages and to address
different forms of GBV
3.
Understand the responsibilities of a GBV Programme
Manager regarding case management supervision
4.
Consider ways to improve service coordination and to
effectively advocate for appropriate response to GBV
What is GBV Case Management?
A structured method for providing help to a survivor. It involves
one organization, usually a psychosocial support or social
services actor, taking responsibility for making sure that
survivors are informed of all the options available to them and
that issues and problems facing a survivor and her/his family
are identified and followed up in a coordinated way, and
providing the survivor with emotional support throughout the
process.
Principles of Case Management
The survivor is the primary actor
The case management process should empower
the survivor and ensure s/he leads
Plans must reflect a survivor’s wishes and choices
T
h
i
s
r
e
q
u
i
r
e
s
…
I
n
d
i
v
i
d
u
a
l
i
z
e
d
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
d
e
l
i
v
e
r
y
b
a
s
e
d
o
n
a
n
A
s
s
e
s
s
m
e
n
t
o
f
n
e
e
d
s
t
h
a
t
i
s
u
s
e
d
t
o
D
e
v
e
l
o
p
a
c
a
s
e
p
l
a
n
t
h
a
t
e
n
s
u
r
e
s
G
o
o
d
c
o
o
r
d
i
n
a
t
i
o
n
o
f
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
d
e
l
i
v
e
r
y
Case Management
Process
Steps of Service Delivery
1. Introduction & Engagement
H
a
v
e
y
o
u
p
u
t
t
h
e
s
u
r
v
i
v
o
r
a
t
e
a
s
e
,
i
n
t
r
o
d
u
c
e
d
y
o
u
r
s
e
l
f
a
n
d
t
h
e
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
s
y
o
u
o
f
f
e
r
?
Greet and comfort the survivor.
Establish rapport and obtain informed consent to proceed with
CM services.
Informed consent
T
h
e
v
o
l
u
n
t
a
r
y
a
g
r
e
e
m
e
n
t
o
f
a
n
i
n
d
i
v
i
d
u
a
l
w
h
o
h
a
s
t
h
e
l
e
g
a
l
c
a
p
a
c
i
t
y
t
o
g
i
v
e
c
o
n
s
e
n
t
.
The survivor must:
•
Have the capacity and maturity to know about and
•
Understand the services being offered, and
•
Be legally able to give her consent
When do we obtain informed
consent?
B
e
f
o
r
e
c
a
s
e
m
a
n
a
g
e
m
e
n
t
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
s
b
e
g
i
n
=
b
e
f
o
r
e
l
i
s
t
e
n
i
n
g
t
o
a
s
t
o
r
y
o
r
g
a
t
h
e
r
i
n
g
i
n
f
o
r
m
a
t
i
o
n
Throughout the case management process
When making referrals
Before sharing any information on a case or meeting with
other service providers
Confidentiality
“Informed” consent includes information on confidentiality
practices
Limitations on confidentiality must be disclosed during Step 1.
Limitations might include:
Mandatory reporting laws
SEA policy
Fear of imminent security risks
Fear of self harm or harm to others
Information sharing among GBV team
2. Assessment
W
h
y
i
s
t
h
e
i
n
d
i
v
i
d
u
a
l
s
e
e
k
i
n
g
a
s
s
i
s
t
a
n
c
e
?
Collect information using a survivor-centred approach
What problems is she facing? How does she see her
situation? What supports does she have? What assistance
does she want?
Listen. And help a survivor identify her problems and needs.
3. Case Action Planning
W
h
a
t
d
o
e
s
t
h
e
s
u
r
v
i
v
o
r
w
a
n
t
t
o
h
a
p
p
e
n
n
e
x
t
?
Develop a case plan based on the assessment
Ask questions about what a survivor wants
This may include personal goals related to return to normal
activities, seeking support from friends, etc.
Provide information on service options
Provide information on processes, and likely outcomes, of
different available services
Obtain consent for referrals and documentation
4. Implementing the plan
H
o
w
c
a
n
w
e
h
e
l
p
a
s
u
r
v
i
v
o
r
a
c
h
i
e
v
e
h
e
r
g
o
a
l
s
?
Provide services within scope of work (PSS support)
Refer to other services, as requested
Advocate for services, support
Lead case coordination
5. Case Follow Up
I
s
t
h
e
s
u
r
v
i
v
o
r
r
e
a
c
h
i
n
g
h
e
r
g
o
a
l
s
?
I
s
s
h
e
r
e
c
o
v
e
r
i
n
g
?
Monitor outcomes with survivor
Identify any barriers to achieving goals
Adapt plan as needed
6. Case Closure
H
o
w
d
o
w
e
k
n
o
w
w
h
e
n
t
h
e
w
o
r
k
i
s
f
i
n
i
s
h
e
d
?
Assess with survivor if her goals are met
Assess with survivor if her own (normal or
new
normal) support
systems are functioning
Ensure any ongoing services are in place
Ensure survivor has means of contact for any future needs
Service Evaluation at Case Closure
W
h
a
t
w
a
s
t
h
e
q
u
a
l
i
t
y
o
f
t
h
e
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
?
Determine if the client feel satisfied with the service
Reflect on the service provided and any challenges that arose
Assess whether best practices were followed
Case Management &
Individualized
Psychosocial Support
Benefits of GBV Case Management
Approach
Holistic
Survivor-centered
Restores some measure
of control to the person
affected
Attentive to specific
needs, risks related to GBV
Skills not credentials:
caseworker profile can vary,
is adaptable
Case Management & Individual
PSS Support
G
B
V
c
a
s
e
m
a
n
a
g
e
m
e
n
t
s
e
r
v
i
c
e
s
t
h
a
t
i
n
c
l
u
d
e
f
o
c
u
s
e
d
,
i
n
d
i
v
i
d
u
a
l
i
z
e
d
s
u
p
p
o
r
t
f
r
o
m
p
r
o
v
i
d
e
r
s
f
a
m
i
l
i
a
r
w
i
t
h
c
o
m
m
o
n
c
o
n
s
e
q
u
e
n
c
e
s
o
f
G
B
V
s
h
o
u
l
d
b
e
o
f
f
e
r
e
d
a
s
a
f
i
r
s
t
l
i
n
e
o
f
s
u
p
p
o
r
t
.
G
B
V
c
a
s
e
w
o
r
k
e
r
s
s
h
o
u
l
d
w
o
r
k
w
i
t
h
s
u
r
v
i
v
o
r
s
t
o
i
d
e
n
t
i
f
y
a
n
d
a
c
c
e
s
s
s
u
p
p
o
r
t
f
r
o
m
f
a
m
i
l
y
a
n
d
/
o
r
s
o
c
i
a
l
n
e
t
w
o
r
k
s
.
Time for Practice!
Who drives the process?
Case Management
Intimate Partner Violence
Definitions
I
n
t
i
m
a
t
e
P
a
r
t
n
e
r
V
i
o
l
e
n
c
e
(
I
P
V
)
i
s
a
n
a
b
u
s
e
p
e
r
p
e
t
r
a
t
e
d
b
y
a
c
u
r
r
e
n
t
o
r
f
o
r
m
e
r
p
a
r
t
n
e
r
o
r
s
p
o
u
s
e
.
T
h
e
t
e
r
m
d
o
m
e
s
t
i
c
v
i
o
l
e
n
c
e
i
s
o
f
t
e
n
u
s
e
d
i
n
t
e
r
c
h
a
n
g
e
a
b
l
y
.
May include:
physical
sexual
psychological violence
as well as the denial of resources, opportunities or services
IPV
IPV Consequences
IPV: Cycle of violence
IPV: Types & Severity
Challenges: Case Management & IPV
Continued risks (survivor & children)
Security concerns (including staff/volunteers)
Limited services, options
Community tolerance
Interest in finding “solutions”
Through the case management
process, a survivor of IPV can…
Receive validation and support
Acknowledge patterns of abuse in relationship
Determine limits and explore options
Identify available services
Enlist help of community leaders, others
Link to support networks
Develop safety plan
Safety Plan
Safety plan is a specialised type of case plan aimed at reducing
an individual’s risk of future incidents of GBV. An IPV safety plan
is developed with a survivor to help keep her (and her children)
safe from an abusive partner.
Through a Safety Plan a survivor
of IPV can…
Identify behaviors that precede a partner’s violent episodes
Identify safest spaces in home
Identify a person to tell, way to seek assistance
Identify a safe space to go
Mediation
Mediation is a
voluntary
process in which
two or more parties involved in a dispute
work with an
impartial party
, the mediator, to
generate their own
solutions
in settling their
conflict.
Unlike a judge or an arbitrator whose
decisions subject one party to win and the
other party to lose, mediation is about
finding a solution that works for both parties.
Mediation & IPV
?
Why mediation is not
recommended for IPV
Violence is ongoing but cyclical. Perpetrators may stop for long
periods of time, where mediators will consider the issue “solved.”
Safety risks heightened during/after process- for survivor and
caseworker
Process often blames the survivor for “causing” episodes. Survivor
might be asked to adapt her behavious as condition to stop violence.
Caseworkers involved risk losing trust of survivors, being perceived
as siding with perpetrators.
Involvement of GBV programmes can validate mediation as an
appropriate intervention for IPV.
What if a survivor asks for
mediation?
C
a
s
e
w
o
r
k
e
r
s
s
h
o
u
l
d
n
e
v
e
r
m
e
d
i
a
t
e
t
h
e
m
s
e
l
v
e
s
.
Caseworkers can act as advocates and support survivors
before, during and after the mediation (depending on survivors’
interests, Caseworker’s comfort, safety, and organizational
policies)
Programmes can seek to influence mediators or mediation
mechanisms, to improve process for survivors
More practice!
Case Management
Child Sexual Abuse
Child Survivors of Sexual Violence
Children experience different consequences to
sexual violence than adults
Children often express suffering differently than
adults
Reactions may be influenced by:
Type of violence
Duration
Relationship to perpetrator
Stage of development
Support received
Definitions
Child sexual abuse (CSA) is any form of sexual activity with a
child by an adult or other child who has power over the
child. Child sexual abuses often, but not always, involves
bodily contact.
Early/forced marriage (EFM) is a form of GBV that is linked to
CSA (marital rape).
Female genital cutting (FGC) is another form of GBV (and
sexual violence) that is mainly perpetrated against children.
Child Sexual Abuse: Key Points
Children face particular risks to GBV, due to their dependence,
limited power, and vulnerability to exploitation, tricks, and
coercion.
Most CSA is perpetrated by people close to children
Globally, girls are up to three times more likely to be victims of
CSA
Incidents involving survivors under 18 constitute roughly half
the caseload of GBV programmes in humanitarian settings
Guiding Principles for Working with
Child Survivors
Promote the Child’s
Best Interest
Ensure the Safety of the Child
Comfort the Child
Ensure Appropriate Confidentiality
Involve the Child in Decision- Making
Treat Every Child Fairly and Equally
Strengthen Children’s R
esiliencies
Support for Young Children
I
s
b
e
s
t
p
r
o
v
i
d
e
d
b
y
p
a
r
e
n
t
s
/
c
a
r
e
g
i
v
e
r
s
Requires special training
The child’s wishes should be known
Caseworkers can support parents/caregivers and offer
tips on supporting children
In cases of suspected abuse or neglect, the best interest
of the child must be determined
Support for Adolescents
Those working with adolescents should also be specially
trained.
Adolescents should be able to request and receive
services.
Adolescents should always be asked if they want a
parent/ guardian present during any services.
Adolescents should also be asked before disclosing any
discussions to parents
Informed Consent & Informed Assent
A child’s ability to provide consent on the use of the
information and the credibility of the information
will depend on their age, maturity and ability to
express themselves freely.
Informed assent is the expressed willingness to
participate in services. This is sought when a
child is too young to provide informed consent.
I
f
a
d
e
c
i
s
i
o
n
i
s
t
a
k
e
n
o
n
b
e
h
a
l
f
o
f
t
h
e
c
h
i
l
d
,
t
h
e
b
e
s
t
i
n
t
e
r
e
s
t
s
o
f
t
h
e
c
h
i
l
d
s
h
a
l
l
b
e
t
h
e
o
v
e
r
r
i
d
i
n
g
g
u
i
d
e
a
n
d
t
h
e
a
p
p
r
o
p
r
i
a
t
e
p
r
o
c
e
d
u
r
e
s
s
h
o
u
l
d
b
e
f
o
l
l
o
w
e
d
.
Source: IRC,
Caring for Child Survivors of Sexual Abuse
The
BEST INTERESTS OF THE
CHILD
shall be a primary
consideration in all actions affecting
children. This means that when a course
of action affecting a child is taken, that
course of action should reflect what is
best for that child.
–
Convention on the Rights of the Child
Legal Considerations
Understand mandatory reporting requirements
•
Does your country have mandatory reporting laws for child abuse
cases?
•
What information needs to be shared?
•
How is confidentiality protected?
•
What are the legal implications of not reporting?
•
When is the obligation to report triggered?
Be sure limits to confidentiality are disclosed during the first
step of the case management process.
More practice!
Case Management
Early/ Forced Marriage
Definitions
Early marriage is a formal or informal union where one or
both parties is under the age of 18.
Forced marriage occurs at any age when at least one
spouse does not offer full consent.
Early/Forced Marriage: Key Points
In developing countries, one out of every three girls is
married before age 18.
Health risks of EFM (and early pregnancy) are severe.
- Increased maternal mortality
- Increased child mortality
- Increased fistula
- Increased HIV and STIs
Relationships initiated through EFM are more likely to involve
IPV.
Early Marriage Prevalence: Girls
Challenges: Case Management &
EFM
The practice is socially promoted and sometimes legally
sanctioned
Limited services, options
Limited guidance for Caseworkers
Case Management: Imminent risk of EFM
Apply appropriate informed consent procedures
Assess
•
Feelings about marriage
•
Knowledge of possible consequences
•
Family situation
Engage supportive caregiver, if possible
•
Approach in non-judgmental manner
•
Provide information
Link to other services, where relevant
Case Management: EFM Proceeding
Maintain relationship with survivor
Engage survivor to assess potential risks
Develop safety plan
Share SRH information, referrals
Help to identify supportive person
Help to develop coping strategies
Help to maintain routines, connections– school, family,
etc.
Case Management: EFM Has Occurred
Assess situation and specific risks
Develop safety plan
Share information on consequences of early marriage,
including SRH information and referrals
Help survivor identify supportive person
Help survivor develop coping strategies
Link survivor to services, including group PSS activities
EFM: Additional programme options
Target likely survivors of EFM through group activities
Address risks of EFM through community prevention work
Engage community leaders as allies
Partner with SRH (ASRHR) programmes for prevention &
response
Partner with legal/advocacy actors to address
laws/procedures
Case Management
Service Coordination
Establishing Referral Systems
Map and collect information on services
Identify lead service providers per sector
Establish focal points
Establish agreements, SOPs
Train and inform
Collect feedback, review, and update systems
Service Referrals
Caseworkers must understand the services available from
other providers
Programmes can ask other providers (focal points) to share
brief points on services to relay to survivors
Caseworkers must offer all options to survivors and help
them weigh benefits and drawbacks, then respect their
choices
Caseworkers can coordinate with chosen service providers
to support a client’s action plan, also according to a survivor’s
wishes
Spaces for Coordination
Protection Cluster/WG
GBV Sub-Cluster/WG
Referral pathway working groups (focal points)
Case management meetings (ad hoc)
Bilateral meetings between service providers
T
h
e
G
O
A
L
o
f
G
B
V
C
o
o
r
d
i
n
a
t
i
o
n
To provide accessible, prompt, confidential and
appropriate services to survivors according to a
basic set of guiding principles and put in place
mechanisms to prevent GBV.
–
GBV AoR Coordination Handbook
How to apply guiding principles when a survivor’s
environment looks something like this?
More practice!
Case Management
Supervision
To whom are GBV Programme
Managers accountable?
To whom are GBV Caseworkers
accountable?
The core of GBV case management
supervision is ensuring the physical and
emotional safety of survivors, as well as
caseworkers.
GBV Case Work Supervision
Requires:
Building case management systems that are safe,
accessible and adapted to the environment
Building and supporting case management teams
with appropriate profile, skills and attitudes
Case Management: Strong
Systems
Entry points
Service points
Documentation procedures
Referral and information-sharing procedures
Monitoring, quality control
Plans for close-out/handover/evacuation
Case Management: Strong Teams
Recruitment
Initial Training
Continued learning and coaching
Dedicated supervision
Monitoring, quality control
Team support and self-care
Review
Objectives
1.
Understand the case management process for support
of survivors of GBV
2.
Understand how case management services can be
tailored to survivors of different ages and to address
different forms of GBV
3.
Understand the responsibilities of a GBV Programme
Manager regarding case management supervision
4.
Consider ways to improve service coordination and to
effectively advocate for appropriate response to GBV
Q: How many of you work in an environment where someone is offering case management services?
Q: How many of you work with programmes offering case management services?
Q: Of those offering case management services, how do you define case management?
1.1
Gender-Based Violence (GBV) case management in emergencies involves a structured approach to supporting survivors by ensuring informed decision-making, identification of issues, and emotional support. The process prioritizes survivor empowerment, individualized service delivery, and coordination. Key steps include introduction and engagement, obtaining informed consent, service planning, and monitoring. Understanding the principles and process is crucial for effective support to survivors of different ages and forms of GBV.
Download Presentation
Please find below an Image/Link to download the presentation.
The content on the website is provided AS IS for your information and personal use only. It may not be sold, licensed, or shared on other websites without obtaining consent from the author. Download presentation by click this link. If you encounter any issues during the download, it is possible that the publisher has removed the file from their server.
E N D
Presentation Transcript
Case Management Managing Gender-Based Violence Programmes in Emergencies
Objectives 1. Understand the case management process for support of survivors of GBV 2. Understand how case management services can be tailored to survivors of different ages and to address different forms of GBV 3. Understand the responsibilities of a GBV Programme Manager regarding case management supervision 4. Consider ways to improve service coordination and to effectively advocate for appropriate response to GBV
What is GBV Case Management? A structured method for providing help to a survivor. It involves one organization, usually a psychosocial support or social services actor, taking responsibility for making sure that survivors are informed of all the options available to them and that issues and problems facing a survivor and her/his family are identified and followed up in a coordinated way, and providing the survivor with emotional support throughout the process.
Principles of Case Management The survivor is the primary actor The case management process should empower the survivor and ensure s/he leads Plans must reflect a survivor s wishes and choices This requires This requires Individualized service delivery Individualized service delivery based on an Assessment Assessment of needs that is used to Develop a case plan case plan that ensures Good coordination Good coordination of service delivery
Case Management Process Steps of Service Delivery
1. Introduction & Engagement Have you put the survivor at ease, introduced yourself and the Have you put the survivor at ease, introduced yourself and the services you offer? services you offer? Greet and comfort the survivor. Establish rapport and obtain informed consent to proceed with CM services.
Informed consent The voluntary agreement of an individual who has the legal The voluntary agreement of an individual who has the legal capacity to give consent. capacity to give consent. The survivor must: Have the capacity and maturity to know about and Understand the services being offered, and Be legally able to give her consent
When do we obtain informed consent? Before case management services begin= before listening to a Before case management services begin= before listening to a story or gathering information story or gathering information Throughout the case management process When making referrals Before sharing any information on a case or meeting with other service providers
Confidentiality Informed consent includes information on confidentiality practices Limitations on confidentiality must be disclosed during Step 1. Limitations might include: Mandatory reporting laws SEA policy Fear of imminent security risks Fear of self harm or harm to others Information sharing among GBV team
2. Assessment Why is the individual seeking assistance? Why is the individual seeking assistance? Collect information using a survivor-centred approach What problems is she facing? How does she see her situation? What supports does she have? What assistance does she want? Listen. And help a survivor identify her problems and needs.
3. Case Action Planning What does the survivor want to happen next? What does the survivor want to happen next? Develop a case plan based on the assessment Ask questions about what a survivor wants This may include personal goals related to return to normal activities, seeking support from friends, etc. Provide information on service options Provide information on processes, and likely outcomes, of different available services Obtain consent for referrals and documentation
4. Implementing the plan How can we help a survivor achieve her goals? How can we help a survivor achieve her goals? Provide services within scope of work (PSS support) Refer to other services, as requested Advocate for services, support Lead case coordination
5. Case Follow Up Is the survivor reaching her goals? Is she recovering? Is the survivor reaching her goals? Is she recovering? Monitor outcomes with survivor Identify any barriers to achieving goals Adapt plan as needed
6. Case Closure How do we know when the work is finished? How do we know when the work is finished? Assess with survivor if her goals are met Assess with survivor if her own (normal or new normal) support systems are functioning Ensure any ongoing services are in place Ensure survivor has means of contact for any future needs
Service Evaluation at Case Closure What was the quality of the service? What was the quality of the service? Determine if the client feel satisfied with the service Reflect on the service provided and any challenges that arose Assess whether best practices were followed
Case Management & Individualized Psychosocial Support
Benefits of GBV Case Management Approach Holistic Survivor-centered Restores some measure of control to the person affected Attentive to specific needs, risks related to GBV Skills not credentials: caseworker profile can vary, is adaptable
Case Management & Individual PSS Support GBV case management services that include focused, individualized support from providers familiar with common consequences of GBV should be offered as a first line of support first line of support. GBV caseworkers should work with survivors to identify and access support from family and/or social networks. B Facilitate family support A - Emotional support Case Management D - Referral to additional services (including MH) C Facilitate Community based support
Case Management Intimate Partner Violence
Definitions Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is an abuse perpetrated by a current or former partner or spouse. The term domestic violence is often used interchangeably. May include: physical sexual psychological violence as well as the denial of resources, opportunities or services
IPV: Types & Severity In much of the world, some levels of/ forms of IPV is considered normative. Husbands may be expected to discipline their wives. IPV survivors who seek GBV case management services usually describe incidents/ patterns of abuse that would not be socially sanctioned. Implications for service provision: Community leaders/ family/ others may support interventions Security and health risks may be great
Challenges: Case Management & IPV Continued risks (survivor & children) Security concerns (including staff/volunteers) Limited services, options Community tolerance Interest in finding solutions
Through the case management process, a survivor of IPV can Receive validation and support Acknowledge patterns of abuse in relationship Determine limits and explore options Identify available services Enlist help of community leaders, others Link to support networks Develop safety plan
Safety Plan Safety plan is a specialised type of case plan aimed at reducing an individual s risk of future incidents of GBV. An IPV safety plan is developed with a survivor to help keep her (and her children) safe from an abusive partner.
Through a Safety Plan a survivor of IPV can Identify behaviors that precede a partner s violent episodes Identify safest spaces in home Identify a person to tell, way to seek assistance Identify a safe space to go
Mediation Mediation is a voluntary process in which two or more parties involved in a dispute work with an impartial party, the mediator, to generate their own solutions in settling their conflict. Unlike a judge or an arbitrator whose decisions subject one party to win and the other party to lose, mediation is about finding a solution that works for both parties.
Mediation & IPV? Risks represented in cases of IPV Risks represented in cases of IPV Key components of mediation Key components of mediation IPV is defined by unequal power, and the abuse of power over someone Requires equal power to bargain, discuss, Requires equal power to bargain, discuss, compromise compromise Impartial mediator Impartial mediator Very difficult to find, particularly in contexts where men s power over wives is expected. What should a survivor be asked to compromise? Solution found through compromise Solution found through compromise The perpetrator seeks continued dominance and power. The survivor wants an end to the violence. What works here? Seeks a solution that works for both Seeks a solution that works for both parties parties Often done in private because it is Often done in private because it is considered a considered a private private issue Easier for the perpetrator to assert his power, blame survivor. Must not turn into a tactic for the perpetrator issue
Why mediation is not recommended for IPV Violence is ongoing but cyclical. Perpetrators may stop for long periods of time, where mediators will consider the issue solved. Safety risks heightened during/after process- for survivor and caseworker Process often blames the survivor for causing episodes. Survivor might be asked to adapt her behavious as condition to stop violence. Caseworkers involved risk losing trust of survivors, being perceived as siding with perpetrators. Involvement of GBV programmes can validate mediation as an appropriate intervention for IPV.
What if a survivor asks for mediation? Caseworkers should never mediate themselves. Caseworkers should never mediate themselves. Caseworkers can act as advocates and support survivors before, during and after the mediation (depending on survivors interests, Caseworker s comfort, safety, and organizational policies) Programmes can seek to influence mediators or mediation mechanisms, to improve process for survivors
Case Management Child Sexual Abuse
Child Survivors of Sexual Violence Children experience different consequences to sexual violence than adults Children often express suffering differently than adults Reactions may be influenced by: Type of violence Duration Relationship to perpetrator Stage of development Support received
Definitions Child sexual abuse (CSA) is any form of sexual activity with a child by an adult or other child who has power over the child. Child sexual abuses often, but not always, involves bodily contact. Early/forced marriage (EFM) is a form of GBV that is linked to CSA (marital rape). Female genital cutting (FGC) is another form of GBV (and sexual violence) that is mainly perpetrated against children.
Child Sexual Abuse: Key Points Children face particular risks to GBV, due to their dependence, limited power, and vulnerability to exploitation, tricks, and coercion. Most CSA is perpetrated by people close to children Globally, girls are up to three times more likely to be victims of CSA Incidents involving survivors under 18 constitute roughly half the caseload of GBV programmes in humanitarian settings
Guiding Principles for Working with Child Survivors Promote the Child s Best Interest Ensure the Safety of the Child Comfort the Child Ensure Appropriate Confidentiality Involve the Child in Decision- Making Treat Every Child Fairly and Equally Strengthen Children s Resiliencies
Support for Young Children Is best provided by parents/ caregivers Is best provided by parents/ caregivers Requires special training The child s wishes should be known Caseworkers can support parents/caregivers and offer tips on supporting children In cases of suspected abuse or neglect, the best interest of the child must be determined
Support for Adolescents Those working with adolescents should also be specially trained. Adolescents should be able to request and receive services. Adolescents should always be asked if they want a parent/ guardian present during any services. Adolescents should also be asked before disclosing any discussions to parents
Informed Consent & Informed Assent A child s ability to provide consent on the use of the information and the credibility of the information will depend on their age, maturity and ability to express themselves freely. Informed assent is the expressed willingness to participate in services. This is sought when a child is too young to provide informed consent. If a decision is taken on behalf of the child, the best interests of the child interests of the child shall be the overriding guide and the appropriate procedures should be followed. the best
The BEST INTERESTS OF THE CHILD shall be a primary consideration in all actions affecting children. This means that when a course of action affecting a child is taken, that course of action should reflect what is best for that child. Convention on the Rights of the Child
Legal Considerations Understand mandatory reporting requirements Does your country have mandatory reporting laws for child abuse cases? What information needs to be shared? How is confidentiality protected? What are the legal implications of not reporting? When is the obligation to report triggered? Be sure limits to confidentiality are disclosed during the first step of the case management process.
Case Management Early/ Forced Marriage
Definitions Early marriage is a formal or informal union where one or both parties is under the age of 18. Forced marriage occurs at any age when at least one spouse does not offer full consent.
Early/Forced Marriage: Key Points In developing countries, one out of every three girls is married before age 18. Health risks of EFM (and early pregnancy) are severe. - Increased maternal mortality - Increased child mortality - Increased fistula - Increased HIV and STIs Relationships initiated through EFM are more likely to involve IPV.
