A systematic review of training interventions addressing sexual violence against marginalized at-risk groups of women

Abstract

Women from marginalized groups working in occupations such as domestic work are at increased risk for sexual violence. Scarce evidence exists about training interventions targeting such groups. The article aims to identify community and workplace-based training interventions aiming to increase capacity among marginalized at-risk women to deal with sexual violence. A systematic review was applied. Inclusion criteria were English language published between 2003 and 2013; reporting on delivery and/or evaluation; focusing on any form of sexual violence; delivered to professionals, affected or at-risk women; targeting migrant, at-risk women or domestic workers. Data were extracted on the setting, content, evaluation process and target population. Four studies which focused on prevention or responding to sexual violence were included. One study provided sexual violence training to vulnerable female and one provided a HIV prevention intervention to marginalized women. Learning objectives included increasing knowledge around issues of sexual violence and/or gender and human rights, prevention and response strategies. Two studies aimed to train trainers. All studies conducted an outcome evaluation and two a process evaluation. It seems there is a gap on participatory empowerment training for marginalized women. Community train-the-trainer interventions are imperative to protect themselves and deal with the risk of sexual violence.

Re-thinking health literacy: using a capabilities approach perspective towards realising social justice goals

“…Despite these findings, health education interventions tend to focus on factual information, targeting functional health literacy (22,27,28), rather than addressing the role of contextual and psychosocial factors in health and well-being promoting action (29). Perhaps because of the limited focus of health literacy interventions, they have yet to consistently prove their usefulness in promoting health (4,30).…”

A Qualitative Study of Female Migrant Domestic Workers’ Experiences of and Responses to Work-Based Sexual Violence in Cyprus

“…Domestic workers have been routinely portrayed in the literature as powerless victims of circumstance in a way that denies them agency [12,14], whilst at the same time, domestic work and migrant women at risk of marginalisation, as is the case with migrant domestic workers, are often excluded from interventions aiming to empower women in dealing with sexual harassment in the workplace [15]. More understanding is needed of how these women express their agency in the context of (or despite) discrimination, structural inequalities [14], and human rights violations and what needs to be in place to support women in responding to sexual violence in the workplace in ways that empower them to achieve their own goals and objectives.…”

Factors associated with sexual violence among female administrative staff of Mekelle University, North Ethiopia

“…As defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) sexual violence is any sexual act, attempt to a sexual act, unwanted sexual comments or advances, or acts to traffic directed against a person's sexuality using force, by any person regardless of their relationship to the victim, and in any setting, such as home and work [1]. Sexual violence is a severe public health problem that has drawn global attention as a worldwide problem [2].…”

“…Sexual violence results in short and long-term adverse psychological and social outcomes. In addition, it has significant reproductive health implications such as increased risk for sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancies [1,3]. Though women and girls suffer disproportionately, sexual violence can occur to anybody at any age.…”