7. Composition Of The Monitoring Teams
abuse that can constitute SGBV, and the problems and risks associated with monitoring this aspect of detention.
Monitors should, therefore, be sensitized to the issues that may arise in relation to
SGBV, and they must feel comfortable discussing such matters in detention settings.
In order to provide monitors with the skills and capacity to undertake this form of
monitoring, training providers – be they national or international – for monitoring
mechanisms should include SGBV-specific modules in their training programmes, including, in particular:
• The different forms of SGBV and how it relates to torture and other ill-treatment;
• The impact of SGBV, including trauma and secondary victimization;17
•
Interview techniques, including how to approach the issue of SGBV with perpetrators and survivors of abuse, and the most appropriate responses;
•
How to handle reports of sexual abuse made during an interview, including what
type of questions to ask and how to determine if specialist care is needed;
•
Understanding how to obtain the information required while avoiding the possibility of re-traumatization;
•
How to follow up on specific cases of abuse, including how to deal with issues of
consent and confidentiality;
•
How to document reports and instances of SGBV;
•
Relevant national legislation, regulations and policies, and applicable international and regional instruments; and
•
Personal safety during monitoring visits.
In addition, monitoring mechanisms should facilitate support mechanisms and counselling services for monitors who have been the survivors of SGBV themselves, or who
have otherwise been affected by their experiences of documenting SGBV within places of deprivation of liberty.
17
According to the WHO, gender-based violence has serious short – and long-term consequences on physical, sexual
and reproductive and mental health as well as on personal and social well-being. The health consequences of violence
against women include injuries, untimed/unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including HIV,
pelvic pain, urinary tract infections, fistula, genital injuries, pregnancy complications, and chronic conditions. Mental
health impacts for survivors of gender-based violence include Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance misuse, self-harm and suicidal behaviour, and sleep disturbances. In addition, a survivor of GBV may
also face stigma and rejection from her community and family. See: WHO, “Gender-Based Violence in Health Emergencies”, <https://www.who.int/health-cluster/about/work/other-collaborations/gender-based-violence/en/>.
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