In crisis situations where access to specialized services is limited or completely unavailable, every person involved in relief efforts can play a key role in supporting individuals affected by gender-based violence (GBV). With them in mind, the Pocket Guide was created by the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), a UN body collaborating with organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, UNHCR, IOM, and other humanitarian agencies. It is a practical tool based on global standards, aimed at providing safe, basic support to individuals who have shared their experience of violence.
Who is this guide for?
The guide is aimed at all humanitarian workers and volunteers who may find themselves in a situation where a person experiencing violence turns to them for help – especially where there is no specialized GBV team, no referral pathway to appropriate services, or contact person.
You don’t need to be a therapist, doctor, or lawyer. All it takes is attentiveness, respect, and a willingness to provide help in a safe manner that does not harm the person who has experienced violence.
What does the guide contain?
The guide offers step-by-step instructions on how to behave in difficult, emotionally challenging situations when someone shares an experience of violence. It includes, among others:
- Key response principles: prepare – observe – listen – contact
- Examples of messages “what to say and what to avoid”
- Guidelines for working with children and youth
- Advice on maintaining confidentiality and avoiding further harm
- Local services card – for self-completion
- Recommendations for self-help and counteracting secondary stress
Person-centered approach
One of the foundations of the guide is a person-centered approach to someone who has experienced violence. This means respecting their choices and emotions, avoiding judgment, avoiding pressure, and ensuring their sense of safety and dignity.
What to do when there is a lack of system support?
The guide was developed with people in mind who operate in difficult conditions – where there is a lack of specialized support structures for those experiencing gender-based violence. In such situations, assistance from a humanitarian worker, based on knowledge, empathy, and the right approach, can be of great importance. The guide helps convey verified information about available forms of support – health, psychological, or social – and teaches how to maintain confidentiality, respect boundaries, and not exacerbate trauma. With clear guidelines and practical tips, even those without prior experience can provide support in an ethical and safe manner.
You don’t have to be an expert to help
One of the main assumptions of the guide is that anyone can provide initial, basic support, regardless of formal education or role in the organization. Although the materials use the framework of Psychological First Aid (PFA), they do not require prior training in this area. They are designed to be intuitive and immediately useful in real situations. At the same time, people working in the humanitarian sector are encouraged to deepen their knowledge and consider participating in full PFA training, which can increase confidence and effectiveness in action.
Guide in Practice – A Tool for Everyday Work
The material can serve both as a training tool and a handy aid in daily work. It contains action schemes, example statements, a list of “what to say, what to avoid,” as well as a special card to fill in with local contacts and services. In a situation where a person experiencing violence seeks help, there is no time to search for information – therefore, preparation and familiarity with the guide in advance can be crucial. Importantly, the guide can also be easily adapted to the local context in collaboration with a GBV specialist.
Download, use, share
The full version of the Pocket Guide – How to Support People Experiencing Gender-Based Violence is available for free. We encourage you to download, read, practice, and share it with others – both within organizations and beyond. It is a simple but extremely valuable tool that can have a real impact on the lives of people in crisis.
DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE IN ANY LANGUAGE VERSION: https://gbvguidelines.org/en/pocketguide/
