5. How To Include The Issue Of Sgbv In Monitoring
> The records of previous monitoring visits in relation to SGBV, and information
from other sources, including media, CSOs, former detainees/prisoners, family
members and other visitors.
5.3 Monitoring tools
As part of their preparation, monitoring bodies should review their research tools, including lists of questions, checklists and surveys, to ensure they include appropriate
questions related to SGBV. Monitoring bodies may wish to develop materials specific
to SGBV and/or revise tools used for general visits to incorporate the issue.
In developing these materials, monitors should be aware of ethical, safety and confidentiality considerations, as well as the need to avoid secondary victimization.14 If
possible, monitors could consult with those with experience in interviewing victims
of SGBV in the community or with other monitoring bodies that have already developed successful monitoring methodology specialized in SGBV or in monitoring places
of deprivation of liberty. There are also expert publications available that monitors
could review for more information.15
5.4 Associated Risks and Challenges
When determining which facilities to visit, and which detainees/prisoners to survey
and interview in particular facilities, monitors may want to consider focusing on those
deemed to be most at risk of SGBV.
Monitors must, however, be aware that there are significant challenges and risks when
monitoring the situations of specific groups or individuals, and they should determine
their methodology with this in mind. For example, unless there is a way to ensure that
their participation is not known to others, one-to-one interviews might draw unnecessary attention to the target group and expose them to further risk.
Equally, if staff or others receive any indication that an upcoming monitoring visit
will focus on SGBV within the facility, then those who have been victims of such abuse
might be targeted again, as a means to prevent them from reporting the abuse. Staff
and detainees/prisoners, including the perpetrators of abuse, might also be alerted
to questions about SGBV if they are interviewed/surveyed themselves, and then take
action to prevent others from speaking out about the abuse.
14
Secondary victimization is also known as post-crime victimization. It refers to the act of blaming the victim of a crime
instead of blaming the perpetrator. Victim blaming attitudes and behaviour can result in additional trauma for victims
of sexual abuse.
15
See, for example: WHO, Practical Guide for Researching Violence against Women: A Practical Guide for Researchers and Activists, (Geneva: WHO 2005), <https://www.who.int/reproductivehealth/publications/violence/9241546476/en/>; APT,
Monitoring Places of Detention: A Practical Guide (Geneva: APT 2004), <https://www.apt.ch/en/resources/publications/
monitoring-places-detention-practical-guide-2004>; APT, Monitoring Police Custody: A Practical Guide (Geneva: APT
2013), <https://www.apt.ch/sites/default/files/publications/monitoring-police-custody_en_0.pdf>; and APT, Towards
the Effective Protection of LGBTI Persons Deprived of Liberty: A Monitoring Guide, op. cit., note 1.
22
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