Is Gender-Based Violence a Neglected Area of Education and Training? An Analysis of Current Developments and Future Directions

Despite the poor level of gender-based violence (GBV) education and training that health and social work professionals have traditionally received, there is increasing recognition about the importance of adequate and appropriate education and training on this critical public health issue. This chapter provides an overview of the historical and current developments in GBV training as well as the theoretical underpinnings to practice, introduced through education. The chapter discusses why training is important within healthcare, components associated with effectiveness, and how to prepare health and social work professionals to feel confident that they can respond to the health and social sequelae of violence. We make a distinction between the education needs and clinical roles of social workers and other health professionals. Further, we introduce you to the importance of readiness to address GBV as well as contributing factors. These include having a Commitment to GBV, adopting an Advocacy approach, Trusting the relationship, Collaborating with a team and Health system support (CATCH model). The methods necessary for GBV education and training to be effective are addressed, including being interactive and longer, rather than shorter, courses. The recent recognition of the need for a consistent approach to GBV education and training is discussed, as is the importance of being person-centred. The comprehensive curriculum recently developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) is reviewed, including examples from their framework. The chapter examines issues relevant to training when the health professional is a survivor of GBV. Ensuring that a diversity lens is applied to GBV education, training and response is examined. Finally, future issues and directions in GBV education and training are explored, and you are encouraged to reflect on your own learning needs before engaging with the rest of the book.