Supporting Gender-Based Violence Survivors in the Workplace
Intentional behaviours are needed to create a workplace that provides support to survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). At The Vavengers, we actively work with the UK government and departments as well as informing corporations on their responsibilities to support survivors of GBV and to prevent violence. According to the UK Government’s own data figures, the cost of domestic abuse each year is £66 Billion, with 2.4 million known survivors and victims to the government’s systems.
Workplaces can incorporate collaborative methods, use empowering language, and trauma-informed approaches into their daily operations for survivors to come forward and be supported.
Understanding the Challenges
Survivors may often struggle with trauma-related issues including anxiety, depression, or low self-esteem, which can affect their ability to function. When work surroundings or procedures don't meet their needs, these issues may get worse. Intersecting layers of physical and psychological trauma necessitate special attention for survivors of Gender-Based Violence.
With ongoing, generational and torture-focused Gender-Based Violence such as FGM/C and modern slavery, survivors, if present at workplaces, may require referral support to specialist charities and policing services. Ongoing domestic violence may cause a great lack of focus at work and long-term impact on survivors’ wellbeing. Workplaces have the responsibility to also actively encourage people to shift shame culture and be active allies against violence. During a flagship French sexual abuse case in 2024, Gisèle Pelicot declared “Shame must change sides,” which highlights the importance of normalising survivors of abuse to speak up without being penalised for speaking up. Workplaces must have the responsibility to take all measures necessary to prevent in-house and external violence as the new amendments under the Equality Act 2010 in England and Wales require employers to take all “reasonable steps” to prevent sexual harassment of their employees. Workplaces can create robust policies for their workforces to prevent in-house sexual harassment while also working with specialist organisations to help them implement survivor-centred programmes to support those who may be subjected to Gender-Based Violence away from their workplaces, in their homes or communities. Building a workforce free from abuse internally and at their homes is essential for corporations as part of their social responsibility programmes so we can build a better community together.
The Vavengers tackle these challenges with a multifaceted strategy, including empowering language use, trauma-informed practices, and inclusive employment opportunities:
Empowering Language Use
The language employed at The Vavengers plays a crucial role in changing the perception of Violence Against Women and Girls. We focus on systemic causes and utilise the phrase "Oppression-Based Abuse" in place of terms like "cultural" or "honour"-based abuse. While the phrase "community members" takes the role of "beneficiaries" to emphasise agency and active engagement, the term "survivors" is used to emphasise resilience of those who survived a form of violence. We only use the word “victim” when someone hasn’t survived a form of abuse. This thoughtful word choice encourages survivors to feel empowered to seek support by removing the “shame culture” and promotes civil discourse on systemic abuse.
Trauma-Informed Practices
Trauma-informed methods acknowledge that survivors' reactions are frequently influenced by their experiences. Understanding how trauma impacts neurological, psychological, and social development is the foundation of trauma-informed practice, according to a definition provided by GOV.UK. The Vavengers place a high value on empowering survivors by listening without judgment and avoiding labelling. We ensure our volunteers, employees, trustees, and leadership receive training on how to assist survivors without taking control of their experiences, keeping by and for at heart.
By-and-for at Every Stage
Survivors are given the supportive space to take the lead in creating the change they want to see in the world. With an inclusive approach, when we onboard people to our team, we prioritise those with lived experience of issues we work to end. Our well-being services and referrals are also available to everyone we engage with to continuously challenge social discrimination..
Community-Centered Support
The Vavengers give comprehensive assistance outside of the workplace by working with legal, mental health and well-being organisations. Our inclusive efforts are for a comprehensive informed support system, whether we are creating policy changes or providing on-the-ground support.
Key takeaways: The Vavengers serve as an example of how considerate and intentional actions can turn the workplace into a safe space for survivors to seek support, grow and be able to leave abuse behind.
References:
Dahlia Project. (n.d.). Providing mental health services for FGM survivors. Retrieved from dahliaproject.org
GOV.UK. (2023). Trauma-informed practice framework. Retrieved from gov.uk
Smart Works. (n.d.). Professional development for survivors. Retrieved from smartworks.org.uk
Women’s Aid. (2023). Supporting domestic abuse survivors in professional settings. Retrieved from womensaid.org.uk
UN Women. (2022). Workplace policies for survivor empowerment. Retrieved from unwomen.org
Gov.UK - https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5f637b8f8fa8f5106d15642a/horr107.pdf
