Working with Survivors of Violence

About the Course

MSF-OCB, MSF Denmark, DIGNITY,CSVR and HI have developed and are delivering this course, called Working with Survivors of Violence.

Starting on February 8th to March 27th, 2024, this course will explore working with survivors of violence (including torture). Sessions will highlight survivor engagement and support learners to take concrete actions that improve their work with survivors of violence in their projects.

Over eight weeks, learners will examine themes related to survivor-centred work across different forms of violence through a combination of self-paced learning, weekly live sessions, group discussions and self-reflection.


Target Audience

This course is targeted for staff in projects working with survivors of violence who are eager to practically change practices and elements of their work to be more survivor- centred. Learners are expected to be from projects supported by MSF, DIGNITY and their partners (including CSVR) and HI. 


Duration

  • The course is divided into 8 modules (broken down into pre-session self-paced learning, a live module, and post session group work and self-reflection). The core content in each module is maximum 7.5 hours (one workday/week).  
  • The total training is estimated at 59 hours. 
  • Learners should have one working day allocated per week to complete the course. 
  • 7 Thursdays, starting 8th of February, the 8th week will be Wednesday the 27th of March instead of Thursday, due to Easter weekend holidays. 


Learning Objectives

At the end of this course, participants will be able to:  

  • explain and apply a survivor-centred approach in SOV service delivery. 
  • identify concrete examples of successes and challenges based on MSF, DIGNITY, CSVR and other actors' experience working with SOV. 
  • evaluate obstacles to survivor-centred care in their projects and implement strategies to overcome these. 


List of Contents

Module 0 Orientation & Core Principles 

Module 1 Who are Survivors of Violence? 

Module 2 International Framework 

Module 3 Gender-based violence & medico-legal issues

Module 4 Staff Care 

Module 5 CB - MHPSS (Community Based Mental Health and Psychosocial Support)

Module 6 Survivor Experts  

Module 7 Pain Management & Course Reflections


Methodology

Available on Tembo, MSF’s e-learning platform, the participants will complete:  

  • Pre-session self-paced learning, including reading, videos, quizzes and use of discussion forums 
  • Live sessions on Teams with invited facilitators sharing practices that champion survivor-centred approaches across different themes 
  • Post-session group discussions and activities 
  • Self-reflections to encourage practical application of learning to professional practice


Evaluation

To earn a digital badge and certificate of completion, learners in the Working with Survivors of Violence course must: 

  • Attend at least 7 of 8 live sessions.
  • Complete 100% of Tembo pre-session readings and activities.
  • Submit at least 1 discussion forum post on each of the 8 weekly modules. 
  • Participate in the post-live session group discussions.
  • Submit self-reflections at the end of each module where live session attended.


Certification

Upon meeting the above criteria, a certificate of completion can be downloaded from the Tembo website and a digital badge will be awarded and a course certification will be sent via email. 



Requirements/Pre-requisites

To be eligible, learners should: 

  • bein a role that could affect the quality of work for survivors of violence
  • be able to read and converse in English. 
  • be available for the full course: 1 full day a week for 8 weeks. 
  • have management support to attend the course. 
  • be provided with resources to participate in an online training (stable internet  connection, device with camera and headphones, quiet space).


Enrolment

This course is not open for self-enrolment. Please contact your HRCO/OC LnD to apply for the next edition. For any further information, please contact: learning-ocb@brussels.msf.org


Release and Update

The course is updated in January 2024. Each module will be released one week before the live session, starting 1st of February 2024.


OC Validation

This course is validated for all OC’s and Dignity and their partner organisations.


Technical Considerations 

The course will run on Tembo and Teams. The requirement for participation is: 

  • Access to internet and an individual computer with camera per participant during the course
  • Computer access to Teams, PowerPoint. .pdf, and Word. 
  • Internet access for Mural and Mentimeter. 
  • Ensure to access necessary IT support prior to course start.
  • Not suitable for phone or Tablet participation.