« Nothing about us, without us »
One of the key aspects of Stand Speak Rise Up!’s holistic approach is ensuring that survivors are involved at the core of every process aimed at their recovery.
This involvement is first exemplified by providing a platform for survivors to share their stories. Stigmatization, guilt, and judgment are just some of the factors that prevent victims from breaking the silence they’ve built around themselves since their assault. Every experience is unique, shaped by the nature of the assault, the victim’s needs, and the resources available to them. It is crucial not to force survivors to speak but to support them and wait for them to choose when they feel ready. The goal is to offer the time and space for them to feel heard and understood.
Putting survivors at the center of their own recovery process also means giving them choices where they previously had none. By deciding, for example, on the type of psychological care they will receive, survivors begin to feel safe, build trust in their caregivers, and eventually extend that trust to others. For the first time, they feel empowered, taking control of their decisions and moving away from the label of “victim.” They regain power over their lives.
Care can be individualized or group-based. Individual care offers tailored treatment, while group therapy allows survivors to connect with others who have experienced similar traumas. In both cases, survivors rebuild relationships, regain control over their lives, and enhance their self-esteem and sense of belonging to a strong social network.
Stand Speak Rise Up! supports survivors who testified at the 2019 forum in Luxembourg. Projects are developed and designed alongside them, taking their needs into account and responding to them. At every stage, survivors are consulted, and local associations they represent implement these projects on the ground.
« When the survivor is included in the process, it becomes a form of recognition for her. There isn’t immediately a clear, linear sequence of steps to follow, but rather a series of back-and-forth movements between different stages of care. It is essential to ask them what they need. »
Stand Speak Rise Up! is actively working to raise awareness among the public, businesses, and policymakers about the realities of sexual violence in conflict zones. Survivors play a key role in these advocacy efforts. They are invited to participate in conferences and roundtables, and contribute to various materials published by the association.
The principle of “Nothing about us, without us,” embodied by Stand Speak Rise Up!, represents a significant advancement in how social justice movements address human rights issues. By placing survivors of sexual violence at the heart of its actions, Stand Speak Rise Up! not only amplifies their voices but also helps to create more just and sustainable solutions. This approach, which focuses on empowerment and inclusion, should serve as a model for all initiatives aimed at defending and promoting the rights of marginalized individuals.