Church Based Community Transformation
Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Recovery
Working together with the local church, our prayer is 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 is a common experience 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
- Address the hidden physical, spiritual, emotional, and social wounds these women face.
Over the two years
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female leaders have been trained as trauma healing facilitators
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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 continuing to do. I am stronger emotionally and I believe I will be safe.”
Achol Ngor- Survivor, South Sudan
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.
Nyigeng Dut Mou- Survivor, South Sudan
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How it Works
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Step 1 Church Awareness
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Step 2 Training Facilitators
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Step 3 Continued Mentorship
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Step 4 Formation of Trauma
Healing Groups -
Step 5Community Change
Church and community leaders undergo 5 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 6-month period. They learn topics such as mental health after-effects, basic psychological support, gender-based violence, and biblical responses to trauma, healing, forgiveness, and protection.
Facilitators and leaders receive continued mentorship and support on SGBV 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 into their communities on the topic of SGBV. Radio talk shows, forums, and meetings led by healing facilitators aim to support community change.
Other Areas of Focus