At a glance

Our gender-based violence and psychosocial support work focuses on addressing the root causes of gender-based violence, including behaviours and practices that perpetuate inequality, and addressing the burden of trauma which so many carry.

We believe it is possible to see all men, women, boys and girls living with dignity and in restored relationships with each other. This focus addresses gender inequalities as the root causes of gender-based violence through innovative and evidence-based approaches.

The Transforming Masculinities training manual – Tearfund’s main approach to eradicating sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) – teaches facilitators to host group discussions in which they can challenge social and gender norms that perpetuate inequality.

In addition to this, Journey to Healing is Tearfund’s survivor-centred approach to support and connect SGBV survivors across the world. It is a peer-to-peer psychosocial support group model that seeks to create a supportive, safe environment for survivors to speak out and overcome trauma, and begin their journey to healing. The approach primarily supports female survivors but can be adapted for use with male survivors, who may face additional stigma.

Linked to both Transforming masculinities and Journey to healing is Tearfund’s work against female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C). It explores how local churches can play a part in ending the practice of FGM/C through re-addressing social and cultural attitudes towards women and their role in society.

Survivors of violence of all sorts (including GBV) and those affected by disasters often carry a burden of trauma which continues to negatively impact people long after the events which caused them. This seriously undermines their recovery and prosperity, as well as their relationships. This is a growing area of focus for both our GBV and peacebuilding work, and also cuts across our other thematic areas.