Rethinking Domestic Violence: A Training Process for Community Activists

From the Introduction
This program tool was developed by Raising Voices in collaboration with the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention. The Training Process is designed to be used as a tool for strengthening the capacity of a wide range of community members to prevent domestic violence. It is a series of training sessions that can be used individually or as a part of a longer process. It is meant to help participants think about, discuss and take action to prevent domestic violence.

The Training Process is organised in six parts:

Introduction
This section will give you an overview of the work, a brief description of the ideas behind the approach and some tips on how to facilitate the process.

Section One: Becoming Aware of Gender and Rights
In this section, participants will explore the belief system in the community that allows domestic violence to occur. The group will explore ideas about gender and discuss what it means to be a good man or woman in your community. Together, the participants will learn about women's rights and where we get these rights, why they are important and who has the obligation to protect them.

Section Two: Deepening Understanding of Domestic Violence
In this section, participants will explore how they understand domestic violence, what their experience has been and what some of the consequences have been for their community. It is an opportunity to help participants think about their personal experiences and come to a deeper understanding of why action is necessary.

Section Three: Developing Skills and Personal Qualities
In this section, participants will identify skills and personal qualities needed to prevent domestic violence. They will discuss and practice using practical skills such as listening and facilitation skills. Participants will also discuss the importance of and practice using tools that can help participants take creative action in their communities.

Section Four: Taking Action to Prevent Domestic Violence
In this section, participants will discuss the importance of breaking the silence around domestic violence. Participants will develop action plans and plan how to support each other to maintain the community-based efforts. The group will also discuss how to inspire others to become activists in domestic violence prevention.

Appendices
This section provides information on how to monitor and evaluate the process of domestic violence prevention in the community. There is also additional information, handouts and learning tools to help carry out the sessions.

Each section offers a series of two-hour modules designed to strengthen capacity of participants to prevent domestic violence. All the interactive modules have been field-tested in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya and designed to be easy to follow, even for those with minimal training experience.