Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1696577438308.pdf (Vanuatu)
GENDER & PROTECTION CLUSTER Referral for Gender Based Violence, Children At Risk, and People Living With Disabilities | TC Donna, May 2017 Cyclone-affected people have a right to safety and dignity.

GUIDELINES FOR RESPONDERS People who experience gender based violence (such as rape, sexual assault, domestic violence, exploitation, stalking, verbal abuse) should be referred for appropriate assistance, for their safety, health, and psychological wellbeing.
Children (people under age 18) at risk of harm should be referred for care and protection.

Interviewing or documenting their situation should only be done by trained people, in the presence of an adult or caretaker chosen by the child.

After disasters, people living with disabilities can be extremely vulnerable, especially if they are separated from their carer.

To protect their safety and dignity, a PLWD in need of urgent assistance should be referred for help.
• • • • • • • • Always observe CONFIDENTIALITY, SAFETY, RESPECT, AND DIGNITY No decision is made without the INFORMED CONSENT of the person in need Have discussions in private settings with same-sex staff Be patient, be a good listener, and don’t judge Don’t press for information the person in need doesn’t want to share Ask only relevant questions, don’t make the person in need repeat their story Do not laugh, show disrespect or disbelief; NEVER blame the survivor At all times, prioritize the safety and security of the person in need as well as involved staff, volunteers and service providers Informed content means the person agrees to seek assistant, understanding what is involved, and the benefits and risks.
Benefits in seeking assistance • Access to medical care within 5 days for emergency contraception and prevention of sexually transmitted infections, and to have injuries treated Access to emotional and psychosocial support Survivor can request a forensic report be made and file a case with police • • Risks of seeking assistance • • • • Safety risk from exposure to further risk of harm Compromised privacy and confidentiality Possible inappropriate treatment by service providers Incident reported to others without consent (police, community leaders, etc.)
IF THE SURVIVOR HAS GIVEN INFORMED CONSENT FOR REFERRAL: IF THERE IS AN IMMEDIATE RISK TO THE SAFETY OF THE PERSON IN NEED: FOR SEXUAL AND/OR PHYSICAL VIOLENCE: Ensure immediate access to health services (within 5 days, or 120 hours) FOR VULNERABLE PEOPLE IN NEED, INCLUDING WOMEN, CHILDREN AND PLWD: PRIORITISE SAFETY & SECURITY • • If there is a local Police Post, contact them (Family Protection Unit) If not, contact the local chief, community or church leader to intervene CONTACT THE HELP LINE ON 24000 Alternatively, refer them to the local Committee Against Violence Against Women, the Vanuatu Women’s Centre on 7754628, or the hospital.
They will know what to do to assist the survivor, such as accessing safe spaces for women and girls, health services, psychosocial support, police and legal services as appropriate and available.

If you are a responder and need more advice, contact Louise Nasak on 7345147.