Content Summary

Lesson 1: Forms and Incidences of Gender-Based Violence

The UN defines violence against women as, "any act of gender-based violence that results in, norms:
social or is likely
sharedto
result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of expectations
such acts, coercion
or
or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life". Gender-based violencea(GBV)
"rules" within
society that
can also be broadly defined as violence (physical, sexual, mental, or economic) that prescribe how
occurs as a result of the social norms associated with each gender, along with the individuals should
unequal power relations between genders. behave in various
situations.

Gender-based violence (GBV) is a serious issue in South Africa that impacts individuals unequal power
relations: situations
across the gender spectrum. While it is important to acknowledge that GBV can affect
where certain
people of any gender, it is crucial to recognise that women and girls often face a greater individuals or groups
impact. The focus on addressing GBV against women and girls stems from historical hold more power,
patterns of gender inequality, where they have been more vulnerable to various forms privilege, or
authority compared
of violence, such as sexual harassment, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, child to others.
marriage, psychological abuse, and controlling behaviours.
female genital
mutilation: the ritual
Let's take a closer look at some of these types of gender-based violence: removal of some or
all of the external
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE female genitalia.

Domestic violence refers to any form of abusive behaviour

that occurs within a domestic setting (the private space where
individuals live together), typically involving partners or family
members. It can manifest as physical, emotional, or
psychological harm aimed at gaining control or power.

SEXUAL VIOLENCE
Sexual violence involves any non-consensual sexual act or behaviour, including but
not limited to rape, sexual assault, and harassment. It violates an individual's
autonomy and personal boundaries.

RAPE
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 Rape is a criminal act involving non-consensual sexual intercourse or penetration. It is a
severe form of sexual violence where one person forces another to engage in sexual
activities against their will.

PHYSICAL VIOLENCE
Physical violence involves the use of force that causes harm or injury to another
person's body. It can range from slapping and hitting to more severe forms of assault.

PSYCHOLOGICAL VIOLENCE
Psychological violence, also known as emotional or mental victim: someone
who has experienced
abuse, refers to behaviours that inflict emotional harm, such harm or suffering as
as manipulation, intimidation, or constant criticism. It aims to a result of GBV.
control or demean the victim's mental well-being.

FEMICIDE
Femicide is the intentional killing of women or girls based on their gender. It often
involves gender-based motives and reflects broader issues of gender inequality and
discrimination.

SEXUAL HARASSMENT
Sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome behaviour of a sexual nature,
including comments, advances, or requests, that create a hostile or uncomfortable
environment for the recipient. It occurs in various settings, such as workplaces or
educational institutions.

ECONOMIC VIOLENCE
Economic violence is the use of economic power and control as a form of abuse or
coercion within relationships or societal structures. It involves actions that limit an
individual's financial independence, autonomy, or access to economic resources based
on their gender.

coercion – the practice of persuading someone to do something by using force, threats, or manipulation.

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Lesson 2: Factors that Contribute to Gender-Based Violence
In this section we will look at the fundamental factors that contribute towards GBV. Once we understand its
root causes, we can act on or try and prevent GBV from occurring.

UNEQUAL POWER RELATIONS

Unequal power relations play a significant role in contributing towards GBV by creating an environment where
certain individuals or groups have more power and control, while others are marginalised and disempowered.

Examples:
 Unequal power relations contribute towards GBV by enabling the more powerful individuals to exert
control and dominance. In intimate relationships, this may lead to various forms of violence.
 Unequal power relations allow individuals to use control and coercion within relationships. This
extends to limiting freedom, isolating victims, and manipulating decisions, creating a coercive and
abusive environment.
 Unequal economic power contributes to dependency, making it difficult for economically
disadvantaged partners to leave abusive relationships.

STEREOTYPICAL GENDER NORMS

Stereotypical gender norms (stereotypes) are societal expectations and beliefs about how individuals of
different genders should behave and what roles they should fulfil, based on traditional and often rigid views of
masculinity and femininity. Many of these gender norms and stereotypes stem from patriarchy which is a
social system where men, particularly in familial and societal structures, hold unequal power, influence, and
authority. It often leads to the marginalisation and subordination of women, reinforcing traditional gender
roles.

Examples:
Norm Contribution towards GBV
Men are expected to be aggressive This belief that men should be aggressive can make violence seem
and assertive. acceptable, as it becomes a way for them to show control. This
contributes to domestic violence and other forms of GBV.
Women are expected to be Women may feel pressured to accept abuse to fit in with society's
submissive and accommodating. expectations, making domestic violence more likely to continue.
Strict adherence to binary gender People who don't follow traditional gender norms, like transgender or
norms (male and female). gender-nonconforming individuals, may face discrimination and
violence due to societal expectations. This contributes to hate crimes
and harassment.
Victim-blaming when it comes to This idea that survivors are at fault can stop them from seeking help,
sexual assault. as they worry about being judged or not believed. This perpetuates a
culture of silence around sexual violence.
Men are expected to be Men may internalise emotions, because society expects them to,
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emotionally stoic and not show which can lead to frustration and sometimes violent behaviour as an
vulnerability. outlet.
Women are expected to prioritise This belief that women should depend on others economically can
family and relationships over create imbalances of power, making it hard for women to leave
personal aspirations. abusive relationships.

prejudice:
SEXIST VIEWS Preconceived opinions
or attitudes about a
Sexist views involve discriminatory attitudes or beliefs based on a person's gender, person or a group
often favouring one gender over another. These views contribute towards GBV by based on factors such
perpetuating above-mentioned harmful stereotypes and normalising unequal power as race, gender,
religion, or other
relations. Having sexist views is a form of prejudice. characteristics,
Examples: without adequate
knowledge or
 Believing that men are inherently superior to woman. understanding.
 Viewing women as inherently weak or incapable. sexual orientation: An
 Prescribing specific roles and responsibilities to each gender. enduring personal
 Seeing women primarily as objects of sexual desire rather than individuals pattern of romantic
attraction or sexual
with autonomy.
attraction to persons
 A cultural acceptance of sexist views may contribute to the tolerance of of the opposite sex or
domestic violence. gender, the same sex
 Dismissing or discriminating against individuals who don't conform to or gender, or to both
traditional gender norms or sexual orientation. sexes or more than
one gender.

LGBTQIA+: Lesbian,
BIGOTRY gay, bisexual,
Bigotry refers to an intolerant or prejudiced outlook, often characterised by a strong, transgender, intersex,
unreasonable attachment to one's own beliefs and a disdain for those who differ. queer/questioning,
asexual and many
Examples: other terms (such as
non-binary and
 Homophobic or Transphobic Bigotry: A person holding bigoted views against pansexual).
the LGBTQIA+ community may contribute to violence against individuals who
identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or intersex.
 Religious Bigotry Impacting Gender Roles: Bigotry rooted in religious beliefs
may contribute to the justification of strict gender roles, leading to
discrimination and violence against individuals, particularly women, who
deviate from these roles.
 Racial and Ethnic Bigotry Intersecting with Gender Bias: Bigotry based on race or ethnicity, combined
with gender bias (prejudice), may lead to discriminatory practices that disproportionately affect
women of certain racial or ethnic groups, contributing to GBV. Marginalised groups may face additional
barriers in accessing support and resources.
 Age-Based Bigotry: Bigotry against younger or older individuals based on age and gender stereotypes
may contribute to different forms of violence, such as child marriage or elder abuse, within families or
communities.
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POWER STRUGGLES
Power struggles refer to conflicts or contests for influence, authority, or control within relationships or societal
structures.

Examples:
 In a relationship, if one partner constantly tries to control the other's actions, decisions, or social
interactions, it can escalate into emotional or physical abuse as a means of asserting dominance.
 In a family where there is a power struggle over decision-making, particularly regarding finances or
major life choices, it may lead to increased tension and, in extreme cases, domestic violence.
 Within social groups or communities, individuals may engage in power struggles to be the dominant
voice or to control group dynamics, which can result in exclusion, bullying, or harassment, contributing
to GBV.
 In a workplace, power struggles for positions of authority or influence may result in harassment or
discrimination, particularly if individuals use their power to exploit or mistreat others.
 In societies where there are power struggles over access to resources, such as education, employment,
or healthcare, it can lead to discrimination and violence, contributing to the overall prevalence of GBV.

ABUSE OF POWER exploitation: the

Abuse of power refers to the misuse or exploitation of authority, influence, or control to action of treating
someone unfairly in
harm or manipulate others. order to benefit
from their work.
Examples:
 A person in a position of power at work may exploit their authority to harass or discriminate against
others based on their gender, creating a hostile environment, and contributing to GBV.
 In institutional settings like schools or care facilities, those in authority may abuse their power to
mistreat individuals under their care, leading to physical or emotional violence.
 A community leader may misuse their influence to exploit vulnerable members, leading to instances of
sexual or economic violence and contributing to GBV within the community.
 Law enforcement figures may abuse their power by engaging in violence or harassment, particularly
towards marginalised groups, contributing to systemic issues of GBV.
 People on social media may use their platform to engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or spreading
harmful content, contributing to online forms of GBV.

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Lesson 3: Impact and Effects of Gender-Based Violence
GBV has severe and far-reaching negative effects on the health and well-being of individuals, families, and
societies. The impact extends to physical, psychological, and emotional dimensions, often causing lasting
harm. Let us take a closer look the negative effects of GBV on each level:

INDIVIDUAL

PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
PHYSICAL TRAUMA
Psychological trauma such as EMOTIONAL TRAUMA
Physical injuries such as bruises,
anxiety, depression, post-traumatic Feelings of shame, guilt, fear and a
fractures, internal injuries or
stress disorder (PTSD) and other diminished sense of self-worth.
sexually transmitted infections.
mental health challenges.

EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT

Chronic pain, disability, extensive Interference with daily functioning, Instability, challenges in expressing
medical interventions and impairment of relationships, self- or managing emotions
rehabilitation. destructive behaviours. appropriately.

FAMILY

EMOTIONAL TRAUMA
PHYSCICAL TRAUMA PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
If one member of a family member
Physical injuries of one family Toxic environment that negatively
struggles to express or manage
member affects the overall family influences the mental health of
emotions, it can affect other
dynamic. children/spouses/partners.
members of the family.

EFFECT
EFFECT EFFECT
Emotional and behavioural
Witnessing GBV can lead to an Trust issues, communication
problems in children of the family;
atmosphere of fear, tension and breakdowns, sense of helplessness
anxiety or depression in
insecurity within the household. in the family unit.
spouses/partners.

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 SOCIETY

PHYSCICAL TRAMA
EMOTIONAL TRAUMA
Places a burden on the healthcare PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA
Normalisation, acceptance or
system, requiring resources for Increased rates of mental health
tolerance of emotional trauma
medical care, rehabilitation, and challenges at societal level.
caused by GBV.
support services.

EFFECT EFFECT EFFECT

Societal resources are strained as a Decreased productivity, increased Contributes to a culture of
significant portion is allocated to health costs, and strain on social violence, hindering societal
addressing physical consequences. support system. progress, and perpetuates GBV.

GBV's Contribution to Societal Disintegration

Societal disintegration refers to the breakdown or deterioration of the various structures and functions within
a society. It involves the weakening or loss of cohesion in social relationships, institutions, and norms that
contribute to the overall stability and well-being of a community. Below are ways in which GBV contributes to
the breakdown of various structures and functions within society.

Survivors Finding it Difficult to Build Trusting Social Relationships

 They experience a profound betrayal of trust, especially if the perpetrator is perpetrator: the
individual or
someone they know and trust. individuals who
 They may develop heightened levels of fear and anxiety, anticipating harm or commit acts of GBV.
betrayal in new relationships.
 GBV can significantly impact a survivor's self-esteem and self-worth. The resulting low self-esteem may
lead individuals to doubt their own judgment and question the intentions of others.
 They may find it challenging to be vulnerable and sharing personal experiences and feelings, fearing
that opening up may lead to further harm or exploitation.
 They may establish rigid boundaries as a protective mechanism which can impede the development of
deep, trusting connections.

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Broken Family Structures
 GBV incidents may lead to divorce or separation as survivors seek safety and distance from the
perpetrator. Through this separation, children become torn between parents.
 Children who witness or experience GBV within the family may experience strained relationships with
both parents. The trauma of witnessing violence can affect their emotional well-being and perception
of family dynamics.
 GBV can disrupt relationships between siblings as they navigate the emotional aftermath of witnessing
violence. Sibling bonds may be strained due to the shared trauma or protective instincts towards each
other.
 In families affected by GBV, children may take on caregiving roles or responsibilities typically handled
by adults. This role reversal can impact the normal development of children.
 Children who witness violence may, in turn, replicate similar behaviours in their own relationships,
leading to a multigenerational impact on family structures.

Increased Social Ills

 GBV often results in economic consequences, such as unemployment, loss of income, or financial
dependence.
 Communities affected by GBV may experience increased crime rates, including domestic violence,
assault, and substance abuse.
 GBV can hinder educational opportunities, especially for survivors. This contributes to social inequality
and limit the potential for social mobility.
 GBV reinforces and perpetuates discrimination and gender inequalities.
 Survivors of GBV may face social stigma and isolation, making it difficult for them to access support
systems.

social mobility: refers to change in a person's socio-economic situation.

survivor: someone who has endured GBV and has managed to overcome or cope with the experience.

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Burden on the Health System

Physical Injuries STIs Reproductive Health Mental Health

Survivors of GBV often GBV, especially sexual GBV can result in Mental health services,
suffer from physical violence, increases the reproductive health counselling, and therapy
injuries which requires risk of contracting STIs, issues, including are required to address
medical attention, including HIV/AIDS unintended pregnancies, mental health challenges
emergency care, and which requires testing, gynaecological problems, that survivors of GBV
rehabilitation services. treatment, and ongoing and complications during might face.
care childbirth.

Substance Abuse Chronic Health Child Health Services Rehabilitation

Some survivors may turn GBV can contribute to Paediatric healthcare GBV survivors often
to substance abuse as a the development of providers play a crucial require follow-up care
coping mechanism. chronic health role in managing the and rehabilitation
Treating substance conditions, such as health needs of children services, including
abuse issues, including cardiovascular problems, who witness or physical therapy,
rehabilitation and gastrointestinal issues, experience GBV. counselling, and support
counselling services, and chronic pain. groups.
becomes part of the Managing these long-
healthcare response to term health
GBV. consequences requires
ongoing healthcare
support.

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Burden on the Judicial System:

Protection Orders Criminal Charges Family Court Cases Child Protection Cases
Survivors of GBV may Perpetrators of GBV may GBV often results in GBV incidents within
seek protection orders face criminal charges, family-related legal families may lead to
to ensure their safety. leading to arrests, trials, issues, such as divorce, child protection cases,
Processing and enforcing and sentencing. child custody battles, involving the removal of
these orders demand the and spousal support children from unsafe
attention of legal hearings. These cases environments. These
authorities. require court cases require legal
intervention and proceedings
decision-making

Law Enforcement Appeals and Reviews Community Awareness Legal Education

The judicial system GBV cases may result in The judicial system may Addressing GBV
collaborates with law appeals or reviews, engage in community effectively requires
enforcement agencies to especially if there are outreach and awareness ongoing legal education
investigate and disputes over legal campaigns to educate and training for judges,
prosecute GBV cases. decisions or sentences. the public about GBV lawyers, and court
Coordinating efforts laws and legal rights. personnel.
between the judiciary These initiatives
and law enforcement contribute to the
requires additional workload of the
resources and judiciary.
communication.

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Lesson 4: Strategies to Address Gender-Based Violence
Addressing unequal power relations and power inequality between genders requires a multi-faceted approach
involving societal, institutional, and individual levels. Study the below strategies that could be used to promote
gender equality and reduce power imbalances.
equitable:
Education and Awareness to be fair and
Promote gender-sensitive education to challenge traditional gender impartial, ensuring
norms and stereotypes. Raise awareness about the harmful effects of that everyone is
unequal power relations from an early age. This will foster a more treated justly and
inclusive and equitable society. receives what they
need or deserve
Legal Reforms according to their
Advocate for and implement legal reforms that promote gender individual
equality, protect individuals from discrimination, and ensure equal circumstances.
opportunities in all aspects of life, including the workplace and family.
This will provide a basis for addressing and preventing discrimination.
Workplace Gender Policies
Encourage workplaces to adopt and enforce gender-inclusive policies, such as equal pay
measures, flexible working arrangements, and anti-discrimination policies. This will foster a
culture of fairness and equality.
Empowerment Programmes
Develop and support programmes that empower women economically, socially, and politically.
This includes initiatives to enhance women's education, job skills, and leadership capabilities.
This will lead to a more balanced distribution of power, and also support diversity in thoughts,
experiences, knowledge, ideas and perspectives.
Representation in Leadership
Actively work towards increasing the representation of women in leadership positions across
various sectors, including government, business, and academia. This will reflect a broader range
of perspectives and experiences which challenges existing power imbalances.
Community Engagement
Engage communities in conversations about gender equality, encouraging dialogue that
challenges traditional beliefs and promotes inclusive attitudes. This will create a supportive
environment for change at both individual and community levels.
Media Literacy
Promote media literacy programmes that teach individuals, especially young people, to
critically analyse and challenge gender stereotypes portrayed in the media. This will lead to
more informed and conscious media consumption.
Support for Male Allies
Encourage the involvement of men and boys as allies in the fight for gender equality.
Programmes that promote positive masculinity and challenge toxic masculinity can contribute
to changing societal attitudes. This can lead to a collaborative environment where men
contribute to dismantling gender stereotypes and advocating for gender equality.
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Reduction and Prevention of Gender-Based Violence
GBV awareness campaigns play a crucial role in reducing and preventing GBV by addressing various aspects of
the issue, such as:
 Educating the public about different forms of GBV, to provide them with the skills to them to recognise
and respond to GBV when it happens.
 Highlighting consequences to create an awareness of the impact of GBV.
 Challenging traditional gender stereotypes, social norms and discriminatory beliefs.
 Advocating for gender equality attitudes and beliefs.
 Empowering survivors by providing information about health and legal support services and
encouraging them to seek help.
 Engaging communities to collectively address the issue, fostering a sense of responsibility and
solidarity.
 Leveraging various media platforms, including social media, to reach a wider audience and disseminate
information effectively.

GBV Awareness Campaigns

There are several international and South African GBV awareness campaigns that you can participate in. It is
important to do research about local awareness campaigns that are being driven in your community. Scan the
QR-codes to learn about a few of these campaigns. Alternatively, you can type the link into your browser.

16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children

This is a global campaign that takes place annually from November
25 to December 10. South Africa actively participates in this
campaign, using the 16 days to raise awareness about GBV and
advocate for its elimination.
Link: [Link]

She Conquers Campaign

Focused on young women and adolescent girls, the She Conquers
Campaign aims to address issues such as HIV/AIDS, teenage
pregnancy, and gender-based violence. It encourages
empowerment and education.
Link: [Link]

WeSeeYou
Trulife, a KwaZulu-Natal non-profit organisation (NPO), is on a
mission to increase awareness of gender-based violence (GBV) and
to encourage a shift in the attitudes toward this ongoing plague in
South Africa. With its "WeSeeYou" awareness campaign, runners
worldwide sign up to complete 100km in 10 days.
Link: [Link]
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GBV Education and Support Programmes

Comprehensive Sexuality Education

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) was introduced in South Africa in 2000. The aim of the programme is
to ensure that learners do not get confusing and misleading messages on sex, sexuality, gender and
relationships. CSE programmes plays a crucial role in the reduction and prevention of GBV by providing
individuals with knowledge, skills, and attitudes that contribute to healthier relationships, communication, and
understanding of consent. Here are few ways in which CSE helps address GBV:

 CSE teaches individuals about the importance of consent in any sexual activity. It helps individuals
recognise and establish healthy boundaries in relationships, fostering respect and communication.
 CSE challenges traditional gender roles and stereotypes that contribute to power imbalances and
violence in relationships. By promoting gender equality, it works to prevent harmful behaviours
associated with rigid gender norms.
 CSE emphasises effective communication skills, teaching individuals how to express themselves, listen
actively, and resolve conflicts peacefully. Improved communication can reduce misunderstandings that
may lead to violence.
 CSE educates individuals about their sexual and reproductive health, including information about
anatomy, contraception, and sexually transmitted infections. Knowledge in these areas contributes to
healthier sexual relationships and can reduce the vulnerability of individuals to coercion or violence.
 CSE aims to build self-esteem and empowerment by providing individuals with the knowledge and
skills needed to make informed decisions about their bodies, relationships, and sexual health.
Empowered individuals are less likely to tolerate or engage in abusive relationships.
 CSE helps individuals recognise signs of abusive behaviour and understand the impact of GBV on
physical and mental well-being. It equips them with the knowledge to seek help and support if they or
someone they know is experiencing abuse.

Organisations that Provide Social and Legal Support to GBV Survivors

There are numerous organisations in South Africa that provide individuals with
resources, assistance, and a network of people who can offer emotional, practical, and
legal support. Scan the QR code to visit the Government's Landing page, where you can
find contact information about organisations offering such assistance. Alternatively, you
can type the following link into your browser: [Link]

Emergency Contact Numbers

South African Police Service 10111
Gender-Based Violence Command Centre 0800 428 428
STOP Gender Violence Helpline 0800 150 150 / *120*7867#
Human Trafficking Helpline 08000 737 283 / 082 455 3664

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A Closer Look at POWA
To gain a better understanding of the support provided to GBV survivors by the organisations mentioned
above, Let us take a closer look at the functions of People Opposed to Women Abuse (POWA).

POWA is a South African, feminist, women’s rights organisation established in 1979. They provide free
counselling, sheltering, skills development opportunities, legal services, sector capacity building and
strengthening as well as public awareness and education to assist abused women. POWA also engages in
advocacy to ensure the realisation of women’s rights and thereby improve women’s quality of life.

POWA provides the following services, which are all free of charge, to women who have experienced violence:

Counselling Support
 Individual Face-to-Face Counselling
 Group Counselling
 Telephonic Counselling (011 642 4345/6)
 E-mail Counselling (counselling@[Link])
 Social Media Counselling (Sending a DM to POWA’s social media platforms)

Sheltering
POWA’s two shelters, based in Johannesburg’s East Rand and West Rand, offer a place of safety for GBV
survivors and their children. The shelter’s objectives are to provide a supportive and therapeutic environment
that enables them to deal with the trauma of domestic violence. Residents are accommodated for a month up
to a year, depending on their circumstances. For example, in exceptional cases, where their children attend
schools in the area, women can extend their stay and then leave after the child’s final year exams.

Legal Support
 Court preparation for women due to act as witnesses in cases of abuse.
 Court support which includes accompanying women to court and assisting them to fill out court
documents as required.
 Maintenance, divorce and protection order application assistance.
 Legal advice on various GBV matters.
 Joining as a friend of the court on pressing matters.
 Collaborating with other strategic partners in realising women’s rights by assigning legal volunteers at
various courts and police stations.
 Knowledge on how the justice system works to enable women to better navigate it.

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 Additional Information: Providing Support to Victims of GBV

Educate Yourself
Learn about what constitutes GBV and the different forms it can take (physical, emotional, sexual).
Understand the impact of GBV on survivors' mental and physical well-being.

Be Aware of Warning Signs

Recognise signs of abuse, such as unexplained injuries, changes in behaviour, withdrawal from
friends and activities, or signs of controlling relationships.

Be a Supportive Friend
If a friend confides in you, listen without judgment. Let them share their experiences at their own
pace. Believe their story and validate their feelings. Avoid blaming or questioning their choices.

Encourage Open Communication

Ensure your friend feels safe talking to you. Emphasise your support and confidentiality. If you
suspect abuse, gently ask if they are okay and if they need help. Encourage them to share their
feelings.

Offer Resources
Share information about local support services, helplines, or organisations that can assist survivors
of GBV. Encourage your friend to seek professional help from counsellors, therapists, or support
groups.

Respect Their Choices

Recognise that survivors may need time to make decisions about their situation. Respect their
autonomy and choices. Avoid pressuring them to take actions they are not comfortable with.

Promote Healthy Relationships

Talk about the importance of consent and boundaries in relationships. Emphasise the value of
equal and respectful relationships, and discuss the impact of gender stereotypes.

Don’t Be a Bystander
If you witness abusive behaviour, intervene safely. This may involve calling for help, distracting the
aggressor, or seeking assistance from others.

Report Concerns
If you believe your friend is in immediate danger, don't hesitate to involve trusted adults, teachers,
or authorities.

Self-Care
Supporting survivors can be emotionally challenging. Make sure to take care of your own mental

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 health and seek support if needed.

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