TRAINING ON TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE, SELF -CARE AND STRESS MANAGEMENT

The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection through the Domestic Violence Secretariat successfully held a one-day training workshop on Trauma-Informed Care, Self Care and Stress Management for frontline responders who handle cases of domestic and gender-based violence.

The training brought together participants from key institutions including the Ghana Health Service, the Domestic Violence Secretariat, the Department of Social Welfare and the the Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice, among others.

The initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of professionals who provide psychosocial and protection services to survivors of violence.

Madam Harriet Yayra Adzofu, a Global Health fellow with the African Centre for Disease Control noted that gender-based violence remains a major global public health and human rights concern. She explained that the training formed part of her fellowship initiative to support efforts aimed at preventing violence and improving response systems for for survivors.

Participants were taken through key topics including trauma-informed care, self care practices for frontline workers and stress management for responders who support survivors of abuse.

The facilitators also led discussion on the concept of domestic violence, the provisions of the Domestic Violence Act, available support services, and referral pathways that enable institutions to work together in responding effectively to cases.

The training further highlighted the different forms of domestic violence, including physical and emotional abuse, and emphasised the importance of coordinated institutional response to protect victims and hold perpetrators accountable.

The session provided a platform for participants to reflect on their experiences, share challenges, and explore practical approaches to strengthening survivor-centred support services.

The Head of the Domestic Violence Secretariat, Madam Malonin Asibi commended the successful organization of the training, noting building the capacity of frontline responders in trauma-informed care is critical to delivering effective and compassionate support to survivors of domestic and gender-based violence.

She emphasized that strengthening coordination among key institutions remains essential to improving response systems and ensuring the protection and dignity of victims.

Source: MoGCSP