Creating safe spaces through survivor-centered approaches

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Ranya Al-Jaberi, a safeguarding expert, has dedicated her career to child protection, gender-based violence (GBV) work, civilian peacekeeping, and human rights. She has held roles at IOM, Social Development Direct, UNICEF and the Danish Refugee Council. Ranya recently completed Tier 3 of the Investigator Qualification Training Scheme (IQTS) to further her knowledge of survivor-centered approaches. Below, she shares reflections on her learning journey.

Understanding the survivor-centered approach

IQTS caught my attention due to its emphasis on improving safeguarding abilities. Drawing from my background in the protection from sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment (PSEAH) and GBV, I recognised this training could enhance my knowledge of successful investigation methods and survivor-focused practices. My goal was to acquire hands-on expertise in gathering and analysing evidence alongside developing strategies for interacting with victims/survivors more effectively.

My work in safeguarding involves utilising a survivor-centred approach that places importance on the wellbeing and respect of victims/survivors facing issues like SEAH. It ensures they are supported in their healing journey and decision-making process while maintaining confidentiality and safety, building trust, and providing support tailored to their unique experiences. The skills I gained from IQTS have helped me better apply these principles, enabling me to create training programmes for partners that emphasise empathy, active listening, and trauma-informed practices.

My goal is to advocate for victim/survivor perspectives in shaping policies and encouraging teamwork among parties to improve our response to SEAH reports and build a safer space for everyone involved. The expertise I’ve gained will allow me to assess the effectiveness of our actions from a survivor-focused viewpoint so that our methods consistently improve and address their requirements as time progresses. Finishing this course was a dream come true and marked a milestone in my career.

Insights into the IQTS learning experience

Reflecting on the IQTS course, I gained unexpected perspectives on how SEAH investigations are conducted and safeguarding practices. One key lesson that stood out was how crucial it is to create connections with various groups involved in the process, going beyond just one organisation’s involvement. I discovered that when people come together and share their resources and expertise, it can lead to more comprehensive actions when addressing cases of SEAH.

IQTS shed light on the significance of taking a trauma-informed approach and acknowledging the effects on victims/survivors during investigations, something I hadn’t fully grasped before. Integrating this insight into my work will enable me to provide an environment for victims/survivors to open up about their experiences, resulting in thorough and empathetic investigations.

Overall, participants can anticipate an engaging learning journey crafted to provide them with a theoretical understanding and hands-on expertise for conducting effective SEAH investigations. The syllabus incorporates a mix of webinars and simulation case studies, encouraging critical thinking and allowing participants to implement their knowledge in real-world situations seamlessly.

Throughout the course, participants interact with facilitators who offer perspectives and sector standards insights, deepening their comprehension of survivor-centred approaches and trauma-informed practices. Additionally, they can use a range of resources and tools directly relevant to their work, allowing them to establish thorough PSEAH strategies and meaningfully contribute to their organisations.

The importance of survivor-centred training in the sector

In a field where the consequences are extremely significant, standardised procedures ensure best practices, legal structures, and survivor-focused principles. To this point, IQTS highlights survivor-centred approaches as essential for establishing a space for victims/survivors to share their experiences.

The training equips professionals with the skills and understanding to handle SEAH cases effectively, focusing on upholding the dignity and perspectives of victims/survivors to facilitate informed support measures. Furthermore, the knowledge acquired goes beyond the individual being trained. It also influences the creation of policies and encourages organisational procedures incorporating victim/survivors’ viewpoints into the decision-making processes. This ultimately helps to cultivate an environment of openness and responsibility, enhancing initiatives that address community concerns.

Representation matters in SEAH investigations. The Investigator Qualification Training Scheme prioritizes accessible and affordable training for women and CSOs in the global majority. With support from USAID, CHS Alliance and Humentum have partnered on IQTS to make the survivor-centered approach a global standard. Our goal is to ensure organizations are best equipped to support victims/survivors today and in the future.

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