On another episode of Services Without Hitches, we shone a spotlight on the critical need for safeguarding within Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention and response systems. The discussion, led by Rahmatu Edota, emphasised that safeguarding is not merely about reacting to harm after it occurs. Instead, it is a proactive and holistic approach designed to protect persons with disabilities from abuse, exploitation, harassment, and neglect, all while ensuring their safety, dignity, autonomy, and overall wellbeing.
Why Effective Safeguarding Matters
For women and girls with disabilities, effective safeguarding encompasses several key components:
- Safe and Respectful Services: Ensuring that all interactions are respectful and conducive to a safe environment.
- Accessible Communication and Information: Providing information in formats that everyone can understand and access.
- Emotional and Psychosocial Support: Offering support that addresses both emotional and psychological needs.
- Digital Safety and Protection from Online Abuse: Safeguarding against the risks posed by online platforms.
- Confidentiality and Informed Consent: Ensuring privacy and understanding before any information is shared or actions are taken.
- Freedom to Report Abuse without Fear: Encouraging individuals to disclose abuse without the worry of stigma or retaliation.
The Consequences of Inaccessible Safeguarding
The significance of safeguarding in GBV referral and response systems cannot be overstated. When services are not accessible, survivors face numerous challenges:
- Delays in Getting Help: Inaccessible systems can lead to significant delays, preventing timely support for survivors.
- Exclusion and Re-traumatisation: Survivors may feel excluded from services, which can lead to re-traumatisation.
- Reduced Reporting: Fear of stigma, negative attitudes from service providers, and other barriers can result in fewer reports of abuse.
- Increased Victim Blaming: Harmful stereotypes and moral judgments contribute to victim blaming, further complicating the survivor’s experience.
Harmful attitudes and inadequate systems often push survivors back into unsafe environments, enabling cycles of abuse to continue unchecked.
Co-designing Safeguarding Systems
The effectiveness of safeguarding systems is significantly enhanced when women and girls with disabilities are actively involved in the co-design, monitoring, and evaluation of these systems. Their insights and experiences are invaluable in creating solutions that truly cater to their needs.
In conclusion, prioritising safeguarding within GBV prevention and response systems is not just a protective measure; it is an essential step towards fostering an inclusive and safe community for all individuals, especially those who are most vulnerable. Let’s work together to ensure that safeguarding is at the forefront of our efforts to combat gender-based violence.
