Information provision messages

Receiving information on gender-based violence allows applicants to recognise different forms of abuse, educating them on their rights, and providing information on available support services. Effective information provision and communication can empower applicants to protect themselves and seek help if needed, fostering a safer and more supportive environment in reception. 

Take into consideration that you might talk to victims of gender-based violence and perpetrators at the same time. For both groups it is crucial to understand the ramifications. 

Inform applicants on the below.

• Explain what gender-based violence entails using simple language. Highlight that gender-based violence includes physical, sexual, psychological and economic forms of violence, as well as other harmful practices such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation. Include additional explanation and examples to ensure applicants understand what each of these forms of violence mean. 
• The prohibition of any form of gender-based violence in reception and in the host society at large. Emphasise the consequences of such acts, including administrative sanctions (e.g. reduction or withdrawal of material reception conditions), legal sanctions and criminal charges. 
• The relevant focal points they can contact if they are or have been victims of gender-based violence, including details about available support services. Provide comprehensive information on services for survivors, both within the reception facility and through referral, such as hotlines, counselling, shelters, medical care and psychosocial support. Emphasise the specific services dedicated to child victims of gender-based violence to ensure they receive appropriate care and protection.
• The existing reporting mechanism, the importance of using it and the existing guarantees (e.g. confidentiality, data protection). Emphasise to applicants that the reception facility is intended as a safe-space and that the timely reporting of any unsafe behaviours or situations is mandatory. 

Practical tips

• When designing the information provision messages, bear in mind that men and boys can also be victims of gender-based violence, so adapt the messages to include them as well. Explain applicants that, like in the case of trafficking in human beings, gender-based violence can affect anyone, although the prevalence on women and girls is higher. 
• Besides using oral channels for conveying gender-based violence related information to applicants, ensure they receive the information in an audio-visual or visual format, such as through animations with real-life examples, suggestive pictograms, posters etc. 
• Organise awareness-raising campaigns on the risks associated with gender-based violence and trafficking in human beings, targeting applicants, with the support of specialised service-providers in the area of gender-based violence (e.g. NGOs). 
• Adopt a trauma-informed approach when providing information to (potential) gender-based violence victims by conveying the information in ways that recognise the impact of trauma on the person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In addition, ensure that you have created a safe space when providing information to applicants on such topics. You can do so by organising gender-specific sessions, ensuring comfortable seating and arranging the seating in a circle to foster a sense of equality and open communication, by ensuring adequate lighting, and a quiet setting, as well as by providing the info sessions in the presence of specialised counsellors. Special attention should be paid to the gender of the person providing information and the interpreter. 
• Ensure a do-no-harm approach when providing information on gender-based violence through leaflets, posters or audio materials. This could be done in several ways, such as: 
  • Incorporate gender-based violence information into general informational materials for applicants, covering multiple topics. This helps avoiding harm if abusers find these materials with the victims.
  • Design discreet contact cards that can be removed from a general leaflet, without indicating the purpose of the contact detail. As the previous example, this also helps to protect victims, if such contact details are found by the abusers. Ensure the safety and privacy of the recipients during the distribution or provision of such materials and information. For example, you can provide such information during some women-only meetings, during women-only medical checks etc.