Church-Based Community Transformation

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Recovery

Working together with the local church, our prayer is that sexual violence in all its forms is stopped, and that women will see themselves through the eyes of Christ

Restoring Dignity

God uses the Church to transform lives, and women lead change in developing communities. Often used as a weapon of war, rape and sexual violence are common experiences in the places we work.

In South Sudan, an estimated 70% of girls over 12 have been victims of sexual violence

Working with the local church, Tearfund is committed to:

Stopping sexual violence
Addressing the hidden physical, spiritual, emotional, and social wounds these women face

Over the last two years

female leaders have been trained as trauma healing facilitators

trauma healing groups have been formed

I met a lady whom I narrated my story to and asked if she could assist me. She informed me their pastor and other church members had recently been trained on how to support women like me... I thank the church for what they have done and continue to do. I am stronger emotionally and I believe I will be safe.”

One of the soldiers pulled me away and whispered to the other, “I have got my flesh." For years I have been holding these pains that had made me to isolate myself from people. I first feared to go to church because I didn’t know many people, but I decided to go during a Sunday service. When I was there, I asked a woman who was sitting close to me where I could get counselling services... I continue to go to the church and interact with the women that helped me frequently, and their support has helped me so much.

Step 1 Church Awareness
Step 2 Facilitator Training
Step 3 Continued Mentorship
Step 4 Formation of Trauma Healing Groups
Step 5Community Change

Church and community leaders undergo five days of intensive awareness training on their roles and responsibilities in the trauma healing process, SGBV reporting, and other topics.

Female leaders are trained to become trauma healing facilitators. Leaders are often survivors themselves, and share the principles they learn with their peers and those in their care over a six-month period. They learn topics such as the after-effects of mental health problems, basic psychological support, healing from gender-based violence, and biblical responses to trauma, healing, forgiveness, and protection.

Facilitators and leaders receive continued mentorship and support on sexual violence-related issues. This includes refresher training, visits, and sessions to discuss progress, successes, challenges, and learnings.

Trained church leaders and trauma healing facilitators form trauma healing groups in churches. These groups will handle cases of sexual violence in their churches and communities, and provide emotional, physical, social, and spiritual support.

Churches act as the catalyst for change, reaching out to their communities on the topic of gender-based violence. Radio talk shows, forums, and meetings led by healing facilitators aim to support community change.