English Mental health and gender-based violence English version | Page 156

145

8 . Reporting

( See Stabilising and protecting a survivor who wants to report what happened to her and Protecting a survivor when she reports what happened to her in Part II , pages100-101 and 102-105 .)
PART III : THEORY
This section considers the issues that arise when a survivor decides to report abuses and crimes committed against her , including by filing complaints with the police . It focuses on the survivor ’ s risks and options .
In such cases , it first needs to be considered whether the survivor will advance her own interest , or put herself at risk , if she reports her story to an official , makes a complaint or denunciation , or gives testimony . Second , the issue of securing evidence must be addressed . It may be necessary to undertake assessments and diagnostic procedures to document and describe signs of torture or other forms of ill-treatment ; and to document mental as well as physical signs that could be evidence in judicial processes or other forms of investigation . The important messages are that many issues arise in the context of reporting and that it is essential to separate reporting from the provision of assistance and care .
In a human rights context , filing complaints or reporting violations is a priority . From this point of view , such actions should be encouraged . However , it is also vital to ensure that help and care are provided , regardless of reporting . Care and reporting are two separate activities and must not be mixed . This said , helpers may play important roles in a discussion about whether a survivor should report or not and in helping her prepare if she decides to do so . We listed some of the key points with respect to preparation , information , and support before , during and after a survivor reports in Part II ( see Protecting a survivor when she reports what happened to her on pages 102-105 ). The advice below takes that discussion a little further .
Listening and assisting versus reporting and documenting
We have described and discussed how contact can be made with women who have been exposed to severe trauma , such as rape and other grave violations of rights .
In this contact , it is vital to create an atmosphere of trust , even if trust may be limited at the start . To achieve this , the helper is called to :
• Show respect for the woman in question .
• Listen to her willingly and carefully .
• Allow silence and time to pass .
• Keep the distance that the survivor needs to decide how to tell and what to tell .
• Ensure the situation is as safe for the woman as possible .
• Respect confidentiality .
• Make clear that the purpose of the conversation is to support the woman .
• Underline that the helper has no agenda other than to provide help , support , and counsel .
During the course of the first conversation ( s ), several alternative needs may emerge :
• The woman may want and need psychosocial assistance .
• She may want to be referred to specialists in medicine or psychology / psychiatry for further assessment .
• She may need to be referred to specialists for treatment .
• She may want to report her abuse to the authorities ( or another relevant institution ).