Communicating about sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) is extremely sensitive, challenging and can put survivors at risk. IPPF abides by the ‘do no harm’ principle, and our top priorities when communicating SGBV internally, with donors and with the wider public are to protect the safety and dignity of survivors.

Poor practice around SGBV storytelling and inappropriate messaging, particularly during a humanitarian response, can jeopardize IPPF and the MA’s trusted position in the community, reinforce harmful stereotypes and limit our ability to help survivors.

Yet, it’s important that IPPF share powerful survivor stories when appropriate and in a safe and ethical way. Each testimony adds to a wider campaign to end SGBV. We must engage with the public to stop SGBV and contribute to a public discourse that is supportive of survivors by accurately and appropriately explaining what it is and how to help end or address it. Thus, the better IPPF and its MAs can communicate with the public about SGBV in line with core principles, the more effective our work will be.

Download our SGBV Communications Guidance Note to learn more.