Crisis Intervention

1. Psychological Care and Victims’ Needs 

We can identify five main needs that are in common to all victims of crime and that must be the starting point for any response in supporting victims of crime. These needs, recognised by the EU Victims’ Rights Directive, are the following (Meindre-Chautrand et al., 2022; European Union, 2012):

1. respectful treatment and recognition as victims;
2. access to support;
3. access to justice;
4. protection from secondary and repeated victimisation, intimidation and retaliation;
5. compensation and restoration.

In the case of victims of HPs, the important psychological impact of the crimes has been recognised by professionals, and the access to psychological support and care as key to victims’ recovery. (End FGM EU, 2021). In cases of honour-based violence for example, it is identified that the physical and psychological violence endured by victims can lead to cases of post-traumatic shock (Réseau Mariage et Migration, 2018). Professionals engaging with victims and survivors of FGM have also noted that survivors present overall higher rates of mental health disorders/consequences than other victims (End FGM EU, 2023). In addition, research shows for example, that women who are in situations and environments of control/coercion, surveillance, in which they are expected traditional roles associated to women and with anxiety created by the marital situation, which applies to many women and girls who are in situations of early and forced marriage, are at higher risks of presenting self-harm and/or suicidal behaviours (Pasteel, 2015).

2. Victim-Centered Approach and Intercultural Communication

It is fundamental to adopt a victim-centered approach that prioritizes the safety, dignity, and agency of victims, acknowledging their unique needs, strengths, and coping mechanisms. By doing that, professionals should avoid radical cultural relativism and ensure that victims’ rights are respected and protected, regardless of cultural norms or traditions. Communication skills are paramount in effectively engaging with victims of harmful practices. Building rapport with victims requires empathetic, neutral, and objective communication, emphasizing active listening and openness to their experiences and priorities. Prioritizing safety, confidentiality, and non-discrimination in interactions with victims is essential, empowering them to make informed choices about their support and recovery. Additionally, the use of language and terminology that respects the experiences and perspectives of victims is crucial, avoiding stigmatizing or judgmental terms. To foster cross-cultural dialogue and mediation, professionals should engage with affected communities and individuals in a respectful and non-confrontational manner, promoting understanding and cooperation in addressing harmful practices.

3. Cultural Mediation 

Cultural mediation is a widely employed tool for working with migrants. It is essential for enabling effective communication between practitioners and people with migratory background, especially women. The Cultural Mediator (CM) is not only a person who facilitates the exchange from a linguistic point of view, but s/he acts as a real bridge to bring different cultures into dialogue. This professional role aims at going beyond the cultural barriers that arise when dealing with migrants, and s/he is supposed to master the verbal and nonverbal language, including the use of space, gestures, and mimicry.

According to the Guidelines provided by UNHCR for providing protection through mediation, the standard skills and competences of a CM are (Marjanović & Harbutli, 2021):

• Language skills, which means knowledge of at least two languages including her/his native language.
• Translation and interpretation skills, that is the capability (certified or not) to translate concepts and facts from one language to another.
• Interpersonal skills, such as empathy, active listening, good communication competences and emotional resilience. These skills are crucial to deal with refugees and vulnerable migrants.
• Cultural competences, which means being aware of the cultural diversity that defines people and modifying one’s expectations accordingly.
• Qualifications, certifications, and standardisations, that is, having certain requirements met, such as language proficiency, educational background, completed training.

Adopting a culturally-sensitive approach in the engagement with victims or potential victims is fundamental to a respectful and victim-sensitive approach. This can be done through, for example (Bessoule & Hildenbeutel, 2022):

• Avoiding generalised statements and stigmatisation, in particular referring to the affected communities;
• Be mindful of the language used and try to use the language used by the person you are talking to (for example, use the wording “circumcision” instead of “female genital mutilation” when talking to a victim);
• Be mindful of the complexity of the crimes, in particular linked to the involvement of the family and the risk of exclusion from the community as measures of retaliation and the feelings it might create in victims/potential victims;

When possible, involve cultural mediators to facilitate the engagement.