Vulnerable Persons Protection
Protection of vulnerable persons from violence, exploitation and abuse
Child Protection
In the context of AWYAD, child protection encompasses a comprehensive and multifaceted approach aimed at safeguarding children from harm, violence, abuse, and exploitation. Child protection is not merely a programmatic component but a fundamental pillar of AWYAD’s mission, reflecting the organization’s unwavering commitment to creating safe environments where children can thrive and reach their full potential.
Child protection within AWYAD involves ensuring that every child is free from physical, emotional, and psychological harm. It extends beyond immediate safety, addressing the broader systemic issues that contribute to children’s vulnerability. AWYAD recognizes that protecting children is integral to building resilient communities and fostering sustainable development. This holistic approach underscores the importance of child protection as a key program component for AWYAD, shaping its strategies and guiding its interventions.
One of the primary reasons child protection is paramount for AWYAD is the recognition that children are among the most vulnerable members of society. They are often unable to advocate for themselves and are at risk of various forms of harm, including violence, exploitation, and neglect. By prioritizing child protection, AWYAD aims to break the cycle of abuse and create a foundation for healthier, more prosperous communities. Protecting children not only safeguards their immediate well-being but also contributes to long-term positive outcomes, such as improved educational attainment, better health, and enhanced social cohesion.
AWYAD employs several key intervention strategies and implementation approaches to achieve its child protection goals. One of the cornerstone strategies is the establishment and strengthening of Child Protection Committees (CPCs) at the community level. These committees consist of trained community members who are vigilant in identifying and addressing child protection concerns. CPCs serve as the first line of defence, ensuring that cases of abuse or exploitation are promptly reported and that children receive the necessary support.
Another critical strategy is the use of community-based dialogue approaches, such as Community Conversations. These dialogues involve community members in discussions about gender norms, power relations, and child protection issues. By fostering a collective understanding and challenging harmful practices, AWYAD encourages communities to take ownership of child protection. This approach helps to shift societal attitudes and behaviours, creating a more supportive environment for children.
AWYAD also prioritizes the empowerment of children through initiatives like Girls Empowerment Clubs and Boy Empowerment Clubs. These clubs provide safe spaces where children can learn about their rights, build self-esteem, and acquire essential life skills. Through participatory activities and peer support, children are encouraged to speak out against abuse and seek help when needed. Empowering children in this way not only enhances their resilience but also enables them to become advocates for their own protection and the protection of their peers.
AWYAD also uses the Safe to Learn approach. Through this approach, AWYAD’s main focus is to ensure that schools are safe environments free from violence, abuse, and exploitation. This approach involves creating policies and practices that promote safety and well-being within educational settings. Key elements include the development of clear child protection policies, the training of teachers and staff on how to identify and respond to abuse, and the establishment of reporting and referral mechanisms for incidents of violence. By creating a safe learning environment, this approach aims to protect children from harm and support their academic and personal development. Additionally, AWYAD adopted and uses the
Good School approach to emphasize the creation of positive, inclusive, and child-friendly learning environments. This approach involves engaging the entire school community—teachers, students, parents, and local stakeholders—in efforts to improve the quality of education and the school climate. Key components include participatory and child-centered teaching methods, fostering respectful and supportive relationships, promoting gender equality, and encouraging active student participation in school governance. The Good School approach aims to create a holistic and nurturing environment that supports the overall well-being and academic success of students.
Parenting programs form an essential part of AWYAD’s strategy to protect children. These programs educate parents and caregivers on positive parenting techniques, emphasizing non-violent discipline and the importance of nurturing care. By strengthening families’ capacity to provide safe and supportive environments, AWYAD helps to prevent child abuse and neglect at the household level.
When it comes to Case Management; AWYAD adopts a robust and comprehensive case management approach to respond effectively to cases of harm, violence, abuse, and exploitation of children. This approach is systematic and child-centered, ensuring that each child receives the individualized care they need for recovery and well-being.
The first step in AWYAD’s case management process is the systematic identification of children in need. This involves active community engagement and awareness programs to help recognize signs of abuse and exploitation. Once identified, a thorough assessment is conducted to understand the child’s specific circumstances, needs, and risks. This assessment is carried out by trained professionals who gather detailed information to form a holistic view of the child’s situation.
Based on the assessment, an individualized case plan is developed for each child. This plan outlines the specific interventions and support services required, tailored to the child’s unique needs. The plan may include medical care, psychosocial support, legal assistance, and safe housing. The goal is to provide comprehensive and coordinated care that addresses all aspects of the child’s well-being.
AWYAD’s actual child protection case management involves effective implementation of the case plan through a coordinated approach involving various stakeholders. This includes: (i) Provision of immediate medical treatment to address physical injuries and health concerns resulting from abuse. (ii) Provision of mental health and psychosocial support to help children process their experiences, heal from trauma, and build resilience. (iii) Provision of legal support to help children and their families navigate the judicial system, obtain protection orders, and pursue justice against perpetrators. (iv) Provision of safe shelters for children in immediate danger. This helps to offer a secure environment where child survivors of violence, abuse and exploitation can recover and receive necessary support services.
AWYAD’s case management approach includes continuous monitoring of the child’s progress. This involves regular follow-up visits and check-ins to assess the effectiveness of the interventions and make necessary adjustments to the case plan. By closely monitoring each case, AWYAD ensures that the interventions remain relevant and effective, adapting to any changes in the child’s circumstances.
Central to AWYAD’s case management is the establishment of strong referral mechanisms and pathways. AWYAD has built and maintains robust networks with local authorities, healthcare providers, legal services, and other specialized service providers. These referral systems ensure that children receive timely and appropriate help, connecting them with the necessary resources to address their needs comprehensively.
After addressing the immediate crisis, AWYAD focuses on the reintegration of children into safe and supportive family environments. This process includes: (i) Providing support to families to create a stable and nurturing environment for the child’s return; (ii) Conducting regular follow-up visits to ensure the child’s continued safety and well-being. Ongoing support is provided to address any emerging needs and to monitor the child’s adjustment and recovery.; Facilitating the child’s reintegration into the community through educational and social programs, ensuring they have access to opportunities for growth and development.
Sexual and Gender Based Violence Prevention and Response
In AWYAD’s context, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) encompasses a range of harmful behaviours and practices that are directed against individuals based on their gender or sexual orientation. This includes physical, sexual, and psychological violence, as well as harmful traditional practices such as early and forced marriages, female genital mutilation (FGM), and trafficking. SGBV is recognized as both a violation of human rights and a significant public health issue that undermines the dignity, security, and autonomy of individuals, particularly women and girls. AWYAD is committed to addressing SGBV as a critical component of its mission to protect and safeguard vulnerable populations from harm, violence, abuse, and exploitation.
SGBV is a key program component for AWYAD due to the profound and multifaceted impact it has on individuals and communities. Victims of SGBV often suffer severe physical and psychological trauma, which can lead to long-term health problems, emotional distress, and socio-economic disadvantages. The ripple effects of SGBV extend to families and communities, perpetuating cycles of violence and inequality. By focusing on SGBV, AWYAD aims to break these cycles, promote gender equality, and contribute to the overall well-being and development of the communities it serves. AWYAD employs a comprehensive approach to both the prevention and response to SGBV, using evidence-based strategies and models that are adapted to the local context.
For prevention, AWYAD’s strategies are designed to address the root causes of SGBV, including gender inequality, harmful social norms, and lack of awareness. A central element of AWYAD’s prevention strategy is the use of community-based dialogues, such as Community Conversations, which engage community members in discussions about gender norms, power dynamics, and the consequences of SGBV. These dialogues encourage collective reflection and action, fostering a supportive environment that challenges and changes harmful behaviors and attitudes.
AWYAD also implements the SASA! approach, a methodology that mobilizes communities to prevent violence against women. SASA! focuses on changing the power imbalances that underlie SGBV, empowering community members to recognize and resist violence. Through the stages of Start, Awareness, Support, and Action, SASA! guides communities through a gradual process of transformation, promoting non-violence and gender equality.
In addition to these community-based approaches, AWYAD engages men and boys as advocates and agents of change through initiatives like the HeForShe campaign. Engaging men and boys in the fight against SGBV, helps to transform traditional gender roles and promote positive masculinity. This approach helps to dismantle the patriarchal structures that sustain violence and discrimination.
Empowering women and girls is another crucial aspect of AWYAD’s prevention efforts. Through initiatives such as Women Own Fora and Girls Empowerment Clubs, AWYAD provides safe spaces for women and girls to discuss their experiences, build self-esteem, and acquire life skills. These initiatives enable women and girls to become confident advocates for their rights and active participants in their communities.
AWYAD also emphasizes the importance of community protection structures in its response efforts. By establishing Community Protection Committees and engaging existing community leaders, AWYAD creates a supportive network that can identify and respond to SGBV incidents. These committees play a crucial role in raising awareness, providing immediate assistance to survivors, and facilitating referrals to appropriate services.
Training and capacity building are integral to AWYAD’s approach to SGBV response. AWYAD conducts regular training sessions for its staff, community protection committees, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to ensure they are equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to support survivors effectively. This training covers topics such as survivor-centered care, confidentiality, trauma-informed approaches, and legal frameworks related to SGBV.
In the face of Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), AWYAD adopts a holistic and survivor-centered case management approach to ensure that survivors receive comprehensive and coordinated support. This approach is designed to address the multifaceted needs of survivors and to facilitate their recovery and reintegration into society.
The case management process begins with the identification and assessment of survivors’ needs. AWYAD’s trained case managers conduct thorough assessments to understand the specific circumstances and needs of each survivor. This initial step is crucial for developing individualized care plans that are tailored to the unique needs and preferences of each survivor. The assessment process includes understanding the nature of the violence experienced, the survivor’s immediate and long-term health needs, their emotional and psychological state, legal concerns, and safety considerations.
Based on the assessment, AWYAD develops individualized care plans that provide a roadmap for the survivor’s recovery. These care plans are comprehensive, covering multiple aspects of the survivor’s needs. Medical care is a critical component, ensuring that survivors receive necessary medical attention, including treatment for injuries, sexual and reproductive health services, and follow-up care. AWYAD collaborates with healthcare providers to ensure that survivors have access to quality medical services, including emergency care and ongoing health support.
Psychosocial support is another cornerstone of AWYAD’s response to SGBV. Recognizing the profound psychological impact of SGBV, AWYAD uses evidence-based approaches such as “BeThere” and IPTG to provide mental health and psychosocial support. These programs offer a range of services, including individual and group counseling, support groups, and therapeutic activities designed to help survivors process their trauma, build resilience, and regain a sense of control over their lives. Therapeutic activities, such as art therapy, music therapy, and play therapy, are also integral to AWYAD’s psychosocial support services. These activities provide survivors with creative outlets to express their emotions and process their trauma in a non-verbal and therapeutic manner. Engaging in these activities help survivors to develop new coping mechanisms, improve their self-esteem, and foster a sense of empowerment.
Legal assistance is also a vital part of the care plans. AWYAD ensures that survivors have access to legal support to navigate the justice system, including filing complaints, seeking protection orders, and pursuing legal action against perpetrators. This legal support is essential for holding perpetrators accountable and for ensuring that survivors’ rights are upheld. AWYAD collaborates with legal institutions and provides survivors with information about their legal rights and options, as well as connecting them with legal aid services.
Safe housing is another critical need that AWYAD addresses in its case management approach. For many survivors, returning to their previous living situation may pose significant risks. AWYAD provides safe housing options to ensure that survivors have a secure place to stay while they recover. This may include temporary shelters, transitional housing, or longer-term housing solutions, depending on the survivor’s circumstances and needs. Safe housing not only provides physical security but also a stable environment where survivors can begin to rebuild their lives.
Continuous support from AWYAD’s case managers is integral to the recovery process. Case managers work closely with survivors, providing ongoing support and guidance as they navigate the various services and resources available to them. This continuous support helps to ensure that survivors remain engaged in their care plans and receive timely assistance as their needs evolve. Case managers also serve as advocates for survivors, helping them to access services, coordinating care, and ensuring that their voices are heard and their preferences respected.
A critical component of AWYAD’s response strategy is the establishment and strengthening of referral mechanisms and pathways. AWYAD collaborates with local authorities, healthcare providers, legal institutions, and other NGOs to create a strong network of services that survivors can access. This collaborative approach ensures that survivors receive timely and appropriate care, reducing the risk of further harm and re-traumatization. By streamlining referral processes, AWYAD ensures that survivors can quickly connect with the services they need, minimizing delays and barriers to accessing care.
Referral mechanisms are designed to be seamless and efficient, facilitating smooth transitions between different services and providers. AWYAD works to establish clear protocols and agreements with partner organizations to ensure that referrals are handled promptly and that survivors receive continuous support throughout their recovery journey. Strengthening these referral pathways also involves regular communication and coordination among all stakeholders, ensuring that each survivor’s needs are met in a holistic and coordinated manner.
Our organization truly believes that by working together, we can save more lives than ever before.
Plot 14/16 Semawata Road, Ntinda
P.O. Box 116757, Kampala, Uganda
Tel: +256393102125
Mob: +256788214988
Email: info@awyad.org