Strengthening victim empowerment through participatory dialogue

New approaches helped break down barriers and provide a safe space for listening and building relationships.

To improve services for survivors of domestic and sexual violence, the Victim Empowerment Programme of the Department of Social Development wanted to revitalise its quarterly meetings to allow better collaboration within government and between government and its NGO partners. In partnership with the Institute for Security Studies, a new approach was developed that has strengthened the commitment of all participants, removed barriers and created more empathetic and accountable partnerships.

About the author

Warren Parker is a public health and communication specialist working in African and other contexts. Much of his research has involved participatory engagement processes with communities and stakeholders to resolve pressing health and other challenges, and to inform policy and guide the design of programmes.

Picture: Adapted by Amelia Broodryk/ISS