Barriers to Accessing Services Essentials in Sexual Offences Examination and Clinical Management March 2016 Ruth Henry Manager Archway SARC

What is gender-based violence? “Violence that is directed against a woman because she is a woman, or violence that affects women disproportionately. It includes acts that inflict physical, mental or sexual harm or suffering, threats of such acts, coercion and other deprivations of liberty.” (United Nations, 1992) Rape and sexual assault Domestic abuse Childhood sexual abuse GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE WHAT IS GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE? Key points ■■ In line with the UN definition, many inequalities still exist between men and women, and being female is a key risk factor for GBV. ■■ GBV is an umbrella term for a spectrum of various forms of abuse, which are not discrete, but are often interconnected. For example sexual violence, including rape, stalking, harassment and forced marriage, is often experienced within the context of domestic abuse. ■■ GBV is the term used to explain the context in which such violence occurs. It highlights the most important fact that cuts across all forms of abuse - that they stem from or reinforce gender inequality. ■■ GBV is primarily experienced by women and mostly perpetrated by men. Many women will experience more than one form of abuse during their lifetime. Although most abusers are men, most men are not abusers. Harmful traditional practices Commercial sexual exploitation Sexual harassment and stalking 2 2

Experience of sexual violence Removal of autonomy Degradation, humiliation Violation Lack of control Powerlessness Domination

Equality? Key points: As with the Russian doll, many dimensions of people’s lives tend to remain hidden, including their experience of difference and inequality with regard to gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, age, poverty, etc. ■■ Treating people equally does not necessarily mean treating everyone the same. ■■ The impact of difference and inequality can affect service users’ ability to disclose abuse as well as who they feel able to disclose to. For example, depending on the nature of the abuse, some women may find it difficult to disclose to a male practitioner. There might also be cultural barriers for some service users, who may be criticised by their community if they speak out about domestic abuse.

Who do you engage with?

Consider… ‘Protected Vulnerability Characteristics’ Mental health Gender Ethnicity Age Religion Disability Sexual Orientation Vulnerability Mental health Drug /alcohol problems Homelessness Previous experience of abuse Prostitution

Good practice Provide appropriate care Respect confidentiality Promote access to services Respect autonomy Informed consent Believe & validate experience Acknowledge harm

Questions What are the main concerns you have for the client? What might make it difficult for her/him to engage with services? What would make your intervention helpful /harmful? What support could you offer to address some of the issues raised?