Disability Inclusion in Child Protection and Gender-Based Violence Programs

Women's Refugee Commission
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TOOL 3: PRACTICAL TIPS FOR SUPPORTING CAREGIVERS

Working with caregivers as well as the people they care for is critical in ensuring the safety and opportunities of both the survivor and the caregiver. It is also essential to recognise that caregivers are most often women and adolescent girls, which means they may experience disadvantages of their own, and that they will likely be over-burdened with domestic responsibilities, including the care of children, the elderly and the maintenance of family life. Care-giving can be a very isolating experience, and the more so for women who are already less likely to have access to opportunities outside the family and the home. The few men who assume care-giving roles for persons with disabilities may also experience stigmatization in the community, as these roles are under-valued in society and further reduces their status among men.

There are times when the actions of caregivers may appear to be unhelpful or disrespectful towards a person with disabilities. It is important to explore and understand how those decisions were made and what alternatives were available. For example, if a woman responsible for the care of an adolescent girl with disabilities is locking her in a room while she goes to the market, it may be that she feels this is her only option to keep the girl safe while she is not at home. It is essential to talk with caregivers about their context and environment, and to understand their reasoning, rather than working from our own assumptions and judgements, before helping them to explore alternatives.

Practical tips to support caregivers