UP-DGO MST

"The UPDGO developed a comprehensive toolkit to address gender-based violence and related concerns, and promote a safer community. The “My Survival Toolkit” (MST) provides essential information on prevention, safety, and response strategies against gender-based violence (GBV). The MST aims to reduce the risk of GBV experiences and empower individuals to seek assistance when needed as it seeks to broaden understanding of GBV, including who is at risk, how these acts impact individuals– e.g. victim-survivors, witnesses, responders and even perpetrators– and avenues for seeking help. It is a tool meant to help people evaluate their relationships, family dynamics and interpersonal relationships to determine whether or not they are already becoming victims or perpetrators. It could also serve as a resource for individuals to understand their rights and know what steps to take if they experience GBV, and serves as a valuable tool for self-reflection, helping individuals assess if their actions may inadvertently contribute to or perpetuate GBV. This toolkit offers guidance on recognizing and addressing GBV, including the importance of not condoning or covering up perpetrators' actions. Ultimately, it aims to encourage individuals to become proactive bystanders who intervene and support victims of GBV. This toolkit aims to redefine what was normally depicted as legitimate depiction, normatively defined, and traditional ideas of victimization, survivorhood, and perpetuation.