Advanced training on Gender-based violence prevention and peer counseling skills in supporting victims of gender-based violence

From May 16 to 19, the course "Training to improve the capacity of source lectures on gender-based violence prevention and peer counselling skills in supporting victims of gender-based violence" was held at Hoi An city, Quang Nam province. The activity was organized by ACDC in collaboration with the Association of People with Disabilities, Agent Orange Victims, Sponsoring People with Disabilities and Protecting Children's rights in Quang Tri province; The Association of People with Disabilities - Sponsoring People with Disabilities and Orphans in Thua Thien Province and the Association of People with Disabilities in Quang Nam Province.

The activity’s objectives are to raise awareness, coping skills, peer counselling and intervention support for people with disabilities who are victims of gender-based violence or at risk of this kind of violence.

Trainer Le Thi Phuong Thuy guided and explained the content of the lesson to the trainees.

The training course took place under the guidance of Ms. Le Thi Phuong Thuy, SOS Vietnam National Training Center. During 3 days, 30 students who are members of a group of source lecturers from 3 provinces of Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam had the opportunity to discuss and exchange knowledge together. Moreover, thanks to the working method that encourages the participation of students, many interactive games and practical experiences have been shared in the class. This is an important foundation for students to practice later.

Ms. Thanh Thuy, a member of the Association of People with Disabilities in Quang Nam province said: “I came to the training session with the spirit of learning and receiving knowledge to pass it on to people with disabilities in the locality. Futhermore, I see this as an opportunity for me to meet people who have the similar situation from three provinces. I have learned more from you guys from working styles to practical experience that would serve my work and life in the future.”

Trainees presented and shared issues related to gender-based violence.

Participating in training, the awareness of people with disabilities has changed many points. Ms. Le Thi Thuy Kieu, a member of a group of source lecturers from Quang Tri province, shared her most favourite point during the two days of study: “After two days of training, I can clearly distinguish between Gender and Sex, gender antagonism. Also, from the training session, I had the opportunity to understand more about the law related to herself and the community.”

After completing the training, trainees will continue to organize 130 visits to the homes of disabled people who are at risk or the victims of gender-based violence. Along with that, the group of trainees will also organize 03 dialogue sessions among stakeholders on how to support people with disabilities to prevent gender-based violence; strengthen coordination mechanisms among all stakeholders to assist victims.

This activity is part of the component "Strengthening integration and independent living for people with disabilities" coordinated by ACDC in 3 provinces of Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue and Quang Nam.