WAVES-SL, with support from Medica Mondale/BMZ, under its project titled “Concerted Action for Zero Tolerance Against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence （SGBV）” has organized a three-day intensive training for service providers on Stress, Trauma and Sensitive Approach （STA）.
The training was held at the Unity View Event Centre, Bo-Kenema Highway, and brought together key service providers including health workers, social workers, counsellors, police from the Family Support Unit （FSU） officers, and CSO representatives working directly with survivors of SGBV.
The Lead Facilitators for the STA Training outlined the objectives and structure of the three-day program as follows: Day One: Focused on self-reflection on life experiences and empowerment, allowing participants to connect their personal experiences with their professional roles in supporting survivors. The second day dealt with the introduction to self-care concepts, equipping service providers with practical strategies to manage stress, prevent burnout, and avoid secondary trauma while delivering services to SGBV survivors. And day Three: Covered individual reflection, experience sharing, and plenary inputs, where participants shared their reflections, engaged in group discussions, and consolidated learning through interactive sessions and role plays.
At the end of the three-day training, participants demonstrated improved understanding of trauma-informed care and its importance in handling SGBV cases. Participants also committed to applying the STA principles in their respective institutions and to ensuring that survivors receive dignified, safe, and professional care. The training further strengthened networking and collaboration among service providers in the Southern Region.
The event ended with participants expressing gratitude to WAVES-SL, Medica Mondale/BMZ for the timely and impactful training, while calling for more such capacity-building programs in the future.
