How can community leaders effectively engage domestic violence survivors in development efforts?

1 Build trust and rapport

The first step to engage domestic violence survivors is to build trust and rapport with them. This means respecting their privacy, confidentiality, and autonomy, and providing a safe and supportive environment for them to express themselves. Community leaders can also demonstrate empathy, compassion, and genuine interest in their stories and perspectives, and avoid judgment, blame, or pressure. Trust and rapport can be established through regular communication, listening, and feedback, as well as offering practical and emotional assistance when needed.

2 Recognize and address barriers

The second step to engage domestic violence survivors is to recognize and address the barriers that may prevent them from participating in development efforts. Some of these barriers may include fear of retaliation, lack of transportation, childcare, or income, low self-esteem, or limited access to information or services. Community leaders can work with survivors to identify and overcome these barriers, by providing flexible and accessible options, such as online platforms, phone calls, or home visits, as well as referrals, resources, or incentives, such as vouchers, certificates, or gifts.

3 Involve and empower survivors

The third step to engage domestic violence survivors is to involve and empower them in the development efforts. This means acknowledging and valuing their expertise, skills, and experiences, and inviting them to contribute to the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the projects. Community leaders can also provide opportunities for survivors to learn new skills, gain confidence, and network with other stakeholders, such as mentors, peers, or professionals. Involving and empowering survivors can enhance their sense of agency, ownership, and impact, as well as foster their resilience and recovery.

4 Collaborate and partner with others

The fourth step to engage domestic violence survivors is to collaborate and partner with others who can support and enhance the development efforts. This may include other organizations, agencies, or groups that work with or for domestic violence survivors, such as shelters, counselors, advocates, or support groups. Community leaders can also reach out to other sectors, such as health, education, or justice, that can offer complementary or integrated services or resources for survivors. Collaborating and partnering with others can create a coordinated and holistic approach to address the complex and diverse needs and goals of survivors.

5 Celebrate and appreciate survivors

The fifth step to engage domestic violence survivors is to celebrate and appreciate their achievements and contributions to the development efforts. This means recognizing and rewarding their efforts, progress, and outcomes, and highlighting their strengths, talents, and potentials. Community leaders can also express gratitude and admiration for their courage, perseverance, and creativity, and encourage them to continue their involvement and growth. Celebrating and appreciating survivors can boost their morale, motivation, and satisfaction, as well as inspire others to join or support the development efforts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?