Impact

TACKLING STIGMA AT THE COMMUNITY LEVEL

Stigmatization and ostracism of survivors of sexual violence and torture can break family bonds, divide communities, and drive further conflict or violence at the community level, particularly in the form of gender-based violence. Survivors need allies and advocates in their community to help bridge those divisions and to overcome barriers to support, protection and justice. Coordinated community engagement is needed to tackle stigma and its impact head-on, and to ensure community cohesion and coalescence around survivor protection, support, reintegration, and access to justice. This involves designing and developing programmes to map, understand, and address the challenges presented by the stigma of torture, sexual violence, and other ill treatment. Together with our implementing partner, Synergy piloted a new frontline response programme from 2018-2020 on the stigma associated with sexual violence. Building on our first response training series, Synergy developed materials for use by our partners to mentor Syrian first responders as they conducted a gender mapping exercise of three communities in northern Syria and Turkey. Through mapping, we explored the root causes of stigma and gathered data on gender norms in homes, the workplace, and community, and gender-based violence. Building on this mapping, our partners trained and assisted local communities to develop and implement their own action plans to tackle stigma. The stigma teams have piloted mobile community action plans in 7 communities which have benefitted 2,886 Syrians. We have reached more than 10,000 Syrian community members through our anti-stigma initiatives.