Aurat Foundation organized 2- Days Capacity Building Workshops for Shelters Staff on “Understanding Gender Based Violence and Standard Operating Procedures” in their respective districts i.e. Lahore, Faisalabad, Rawalpindi, Quetta, Sukkur, Abbottabad and Peshawar. The training sessions were organized from 30th January to 18th February 2020. Overall, 199 (141 women and 51 men) officials of shelters staff trained on “Understanding Gender Based Violence and Standard Operating Procedures of Shelters”.

Under this main title of 2-Day Capacity Building of Shelter Staff on “Understanding Gender Based Violence and Standard Operating Procedures of Shelters, following topics were covered:
Overview of Violence Against Women and Girls, Gender-based violence – defining GBV and discussion on after-effects and consequences of GBV, Prevention and response strategies, survivor assistance; guiding principles: Health – Psychosocial – Security - Legal justice,

Orientation on SOPs/ Minimum Care Standards, Principles, Guidelines and Procedures for the Dar-ul-Aman staff; (Admission, Duration of stay, Discharge, Working days and hours, Compliance with internal rules/ SOPs of the Dar-ul-Aman), Guidelines to dealing with the residents based on a human right, survivor-centric and do no harm approach; Residents’ right, Categories of violations and redressal mechanisms, Protection guidelines and Services to the residents (in line with the Essential Services Package): Medical care; Psychological support; Legal aid; Security; Vocational training; & other services or facilities. TORs of Advisory Committees, TORs of Complaints Management Committees

Survivors’ rehabilitation and follow up mechanisms, strengthening of referral and networking mechanisms, Orientation of Pro Women Laws applicable in Punjab, Discussion on strategies for building positive image of shelters. Pre and post-test assessment of participant were also done. Certificates were also awarded to all trainees. Key notables were invited for awarding the certificates in the end of workshop.