Victims' Rights First

What is the victim-centred approach?

The victim-centred approach puts the rights and dignity of victims, including their well-being and safety, at the forefront of all efforts to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment, regardless of the affiliation of the alleged perpetrator.

The victim-centred approach is founded on the rights of victims and a set of guiding principles. It refers to a systematic way of engaging with victim(s), from the moment that allegations are known and in every subsequent interaction. It requires the empathetic, individualized, holistic delivery of continuous and reliable services in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner.

The priority is creating an enabling environment in which victims can speak to someone they can trust, safely and confidentially, that they will be listened to and heard, feel supported and empowered, and that they can express their needs and wishes.

Victims must be fully informed at every stage of the process, including about what they can expect and what is and is not possible, and to have the opportunity to provide consent before any action is taken on their behalf, giving them back as much control and sense of personal agency as is feasible. They must be protected from stigmatization, discrimination, retaliation and re-traumatization.