Introduction

For individuals who have experienced violence, trauma, or persecution, access to safe spaces and robust support systems is not merely a service; it is a fundamental pillar of healing, recovery, and empowerment. Survivors often face immense physical, psychological, social, and economic consequences, including re-traumatization, stigma, isolation, and challenges in rebuilding their lives. Without environments where they feel secure, believed, and respected, and without access to comprehensive, compassionate care, the cycle of violence and its devastating impacts can persist. These critical spaces and networks provide not only immediate protection but also a foundation for long-term well-being, fostering a sense of agency, resilience, and connection essential for survivors to reclaim their lives and thrive. This essential training course focuses on Safe Spaces and Support Systems for Survivors, equipping participants to create and strengthen vital lifelines for those in need.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to equip humanitarian workers, social workers, mental health professionals, community leaders, civil society organizations, legal aid providers, and policymakers with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to establish, manage, and advocate for safe spaces and effective support systems for survivors. Participants will gain a deep understanding of survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches, learn to design and implement various types of safe spaces, and explore strategies for building comprehensive, multi-sectoral support networks. The course will delve into topics such as psychological first aid, case management, confidentiality and consent, protection principles, community-based support, economic empowerment pathways, and legal aid and justice referral mechanisms. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Safe Spaces and Support Systems for Survivors, participants will be empowered to provide compassionate, holistic, and empowering care that facilitates healing and fosters resilience in individuals and communities affected by violence and trauma.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Humanitarian Aid Workers and Field Staff
• Social Workers and Counselors
• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Response Coordinators
• Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Professionals
• Community Leaders and Volunteers
• Civil Society Organizations providing survivor support
• Law Enforcement and Justice System Personnel (with appropriate focus on victim support)
• Healthcare Providers (Doctors, Nurses, Clinicians)
• Protection Officers and Human Rights Monitors
• Program Managers and Coordinators in emergency and development contexts

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental concepts and principles of safe spaces for survivors.
• Analyze the diverse needs and experiences of survivors of various forms of violence and trauma.
• Learn to apply survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches in all interactions.
• Acquire skills in delivering psychological first aid and basic psychosocial support.
• Explore various models of safe spaces (e.g., shelters, community centers, digital platforms).
• Comprehend the importance of confidentiality, consent, and data protection in survivor support.
• Identify key components of a multi-sectoral referral pathway for comprehensive support.
• Understand the role of economic empowerment and livelihood support in survivor recovery.
• Examine global best practices and successful case studies of survivor support systems.
• Develop a practical plan for establishing or strengthening a safe space/support system in their context.
• Enhance communication, empathy, and safeguarding skills for ethical survivor engagement.

Course Content

Module 1: Foundations of Survivor-Centered Care and Safe Spaces

• Defining a "safe space" for survivors: physical, emotional, and psychological safety.
• Core principles of survivor-centered care: safety, respect, confidentiality, non-discrimination, empowerment.
• Understanding the impact of trauma on survivors' physical and mental well-being.
• The importance of "Do No Harm" in all survivor engagement.
• Overview of different types of violence and trauma requiring survivor support.

Module 2: Psychological First Aid and Basic Psychosocial Support

• Introduction to Psychological First Aid (PFA): basic principles and actions (Look, Listen, Link).
• Providing compassionate and non-judgmental active listening skills.
• Recognizing signs of distress and trauma responses in survivors.
• Techniques for calming and stabilizing individuals in acute distress.
• Practical exercises and role-playing for PFA application.

Module 3: Establishing and Managing Safe Spaces

• Design considerations for physical safe spaces: location, accessibility, privacy, security.
• Creating emotionally safe environments: clear guidelines, respectful interactions, building trust.
• Staffing and training for safe space personnel: empathy, non-judgment, cultural sensitivity.
• Developing activity programs and engagement strategies within safe spaces (e.g., recreational, skill-building).
• Addressing specific needs within safe spaces (e.g., for children, persons with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals).

Module 4: Case Management and Referral Pathways

• Principles of survivor-centered case management: assessment, planning, implementation, monitoring.
• Developing comprehensive referral networks for multi-sectoral support (health, legal, psychosocial, police).
• Ensuring safe and ethical referral processes, maintaining survivor choice and consent.
• Documenting cases with confidentiality and adherence to data protection protocols.
• Building capacity of local partners for effective case management.

Module 5: Confidentiality, Privacy, and Data Protection

• The ethical and legal imperative of confidentiality in survivor support.
• Informed consent: ensuring survivors understand and agree to information sharing.
• Secure data management systems and privacy-preserving technologies.
• Navigating mandatory reporting requirements while prioritizing survivor safety and well-being.
• Addressing risks of re-victimization and stigma through information misuse.

Module 6: Community-Based Support and Stigma Reduction

• Mobilizing community resources and local networks for survivor support.
• Engaging community leaders and influential members in creating a supportive environment.
• Strategies for addressing stigma and discrimination against survivors.
• Promoting collective healing and solidarity within communities.
• Developing awareness campaigns that foster empathy and challenge harmful norms.

Module 7: Economic Empowerment and Livelihood Support

• The link between economic vulnerability and increased risk of violence.
• Providing livelihood opportunities and skills training for survivors.
• Facilitating access to financial services (e.g., savings groups, microfinance).
• Supporting entrepreneurship and market linkages for economic independence.
• Addressing gender-specific barriers to economic empowerment.

Module 8: Legal Aid, Justice, and Protection Mechanisms

• Understanding legal rights and avenues for survivors (e.g., protection orders, child custody, criminal prosecution).
• Providing legal aid and counseling services in a trauma-informed manner.
• Navigating the justice system: police, courts, and legal processes.
• Advocating for policy and legal reforms that strengthen survivor protection and access to justice.
• The role of advocacy in holding perpetrators accountable.

Module 9: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustaining Support Systems

• Developing indicators for measuring the effectiveness and impact of safe spaces and support systems.
• Collecting gender and age-disaggregated data ethically and safely.
• Ensuring survivor feedback mechanisms are in place and responsive.
• Identifying sustainable funding models for long-term survivor support.
• Building strong partnerships and collaborations for systemic change and improved outcomes.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training