www.sportgvp.eu Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them (Project Number: 101133538). Responding to GBV: handling incidents effectively Reacting to GBV events calls for a systematic, survivor-centric approach. FIFA (2021) lists important actions to be taken in response to GBV reports so that survivors get the required help and that offenders are held responsible. Relevant actions can be found below: ● Establishing a safe space: Designate a private area where survivors can share their experiences without fear of judgment or interruption. Ensure this space is accessible and free from restrictions and prioritise survivors’ safety and comfort. ● Avoiding victim-blaming rhetoric: Conduct workshops for athletes and staff on the importance of avoiding victim-blaming language and behaviours. Use role-playing exercises to practice respectful communication. Make team members and other involved parties accountable for reminding others, when such language or behaviours occur. ● Establishing processes for confidentiality and documentation: Develop a standardised form for documenting GBV incidents while maintaining confidentiality. Ensure that only authorised personnel have access to this information. Make sure to capture essential details without compromising the survivor's privacy. ● Referring to specialist support: Establish partnerships with mental health specialists, legal aid organisations, and other support services. Provide survivors with immediate referrals to these agencies. Create lists that can be visited when needed. ● Establishing disciplinary measures: Develop and communicate clear disciplinary policies for perpetrators. Ensure that penalties are consistent with organisational policies and serve as a deterrent. Uphold accountability and reinforce the organisation's commitment to a safe environment (UNESCO, 2020). ● Coordinating with law authorities: Develop protocols for collaborating with law enforcement when necessary. Ensure that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities in handling GBV cases. ● Implementing Restorative Justice Practices: Explore restorative justice options like mediation or reconciliation processes when appropriate to support repairing harm and promoting healing. Long term strategies for managing GBV cases Beyond first reactions, companies and sports organisations have to put long-term policies in place to help survivors and stop recurrence, while adapting existing ideas to fit their needs: ● Continuous support services: Establish partnerships with legal aid organisations, medical services, and counselling providers to ensure survivors have ongoing access to these resources. ● Discreet and objective investigations: Develop protocols for conducting investigations that are discreet, objective, and respectful of survivors' privacy and ensure that all parties involved understand the process and its importance. ● Policy updates and evaluations: Regularly review and update organisational policies based on new research, survivor feedback, and changing guidelines. Also, make sure to perform regular internal evaluations that will lead to updates in existing processes. ● Collaboration with advocacy groups: Engage with external advocacy groups and experts to stay informed about best practices in GBV prevention and response. This collaboration can help refine policies and training programmes.
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