Risk analysis
Organisations or programmes may find it useful to conduct a risk analysis. A risk analysis affords programme designers, managers or implementers insight into risks that may surface at a later date. They can identify the GBV or child protection risks across their programme/organisation and assess whether the risks are low, medium or high level. They can also use the risk analysis to develop strategies that mitigate these risks.
Traditionally, across cultures, gender-based violence is not talked about openly. Despite the majority of violence being committed by men, it is seen as a women’s/girls issue. In many societies, GBV is culturally permissible. Survivors keep their abuse secret, for fear of embarrassment, shaming their family, being socially ostracized or considered unmarriable, not being believed or experiencing repeated violence. In cultures where perpetrators have impunity for violent acts against women, survivors often don’t see the point in speaking up.
Silence exacerbates the epidemic: Survivors are limited in their access to medical (drugs to treat HIV), legal (limited access to courts) and psychological resources, they don’t get the emotional support and future protection they need and perpetrators, individually and collectively are free to continue the abuse. Silence invites the deep scars of GBV to continue to be left on individuals, families and communities.
Any sport programme wishing to address gender-based violence must be willing to break the silence and talk openly about the causes, realities, graphic details and appropriate response mechanisms. This involves a willingness to address sex, bodies, disease, pregnancy and violence, amongst other topics, without shame or personal implication. The commitment to building literacy and openness around GBV must come from the leadership and extend throughout the organisation, specifically reaching those working directly with youth.