Abstract
BackgroundSocial support and social network members have been identified as an important factor in mitigating the effects of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and improving the coping process for many survivors. Network oriented strategies have been advocated for among domestic violence survivors, as they help build on improving social support and addressing factors that alleviate repeat victimization. There are opportunities to implement such strategies among asylum seekers who are survivors of SGBV in asylum centres, however, this has not been fully explored. This study sought to identify key strategies and opportunities for developing peer-led and network-oriented strategies for mitigating the effects of SGBV among asylum seekers at these centres.MethodsTwenty-seven interviews, were conducted with service providers (n = 14) / asylum seekers (n = 13) at three asylum centres in Belgium. A theoretical model developed by the research team from a literature review and discussions with experts and stakeholders, was used as a theoretical framework to analyse the data. An abduction approach with qualitative content analysis was used by the two researchers to analyse the data. Data triangulation was done with findings from observations at these centres over a period of a year.ResultsMany of the asylum seekers presented with PTSD or psychosomatic symptoms, because of different forms of SGBV, including intimate partner violence, or other trauma experienced during migration. Peer and family support were very influential in mitigating the effects and social costs of violence among the asylum seekers by providing emotional and material support. Social assistants were viewed as an information resource that was essential for most of the asylum seekers. Peer-peer support was identified as a potential tool for mitigating the effects of SGBV.ConclusionInterventions involving asylum seekers and members of their network (especially peers), have the potential for improving physical and mental health outcomes of asylum seekers who are SGBV survivors.
Highlights
Social support and social network members have been identified as an important factor in mitigating the effects of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and improving the coping process for many survivors
We refer to social support as ‘comprising both the social structure of an individual’s life and the specific functions served by various interpersonal relationships’ [3] We define sexual and gender based violence (SGBV) as any act that is perpetrated against a person’s will and is based on gender norms and unequal power relationships [4]
Limitations of the study This study focused on the experiences of asylum seekers who had formally lodged an application to the Belgian government and had access to social services pending the result of their application, and in so doing we were unable to document the experiences of many undocumented migrant that have experiences of SGBV
Summary
Social support and social network members have been identified as an important factor in mitigating the effects of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and improving the coping process for many survivors. This study sought to identify key strategies and opportunities for developing peer-led and network-oriented strategies for mitigating the effects of SGBV among asylum seekers at these centres. Social support and the positive influence of social network members are important factors in mitigating the effects of sexual and gender based violence other forms of violence and life stressors, as well as improving the coping process for many survivors [1, 2]. Sexual and gender-based violence encompasses threats of violence and coercion It can be physical, emotional, psychological, or sexual in nature, and can take the form of a denial of resources or access to services. There are currently knowledge gaps on the processes through which peer-support mitigates consequences of sexual and gender-based violence, among asylum seekers, in existing peer-support interventions
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