Gender Violence Survivors Support Network

BACKGROUND OF GVSSN

The Gender Violence Survivors Support Network (GVSSN) is a network of both individuals and organizations dedicated to providing improved and integrated community support services to survivors of violence. Survivors are mainly women and children who have experienced and experiencing violence. The network has a membership of organizations of individuals and organizations who work directly or indirectly with survivors of violence (NGO’S, shelters, police, legal agencies, health practitioners, social welfare, clinicians etc)

GVSSN was established in February 2001 through the collaborative efforts of two women owned and managed local NGO’S, Women’s Initiative For Self Empowerment (WISE), and The Ark Foundation (Ghana).GVSSN was set up in response to cries for more collaboration and integration of services to survivors of violence as well as the growing need for support services for survivors and their families. In response to these cries, GVSSN sets out to provide improved and integrated services to survivors of gender violence through collaboration, information sharing and knowledge transfer.

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MISSION

The mission of the network is to provide comprehensive, co-coordinated, accessible, affordable and integrated services that enhance the condition of survivors of gender-based violence

This mission is accomplished through the following:

1. Provision of improved and integrated support services through trained professional and network members.

2. Develop and maintenance of collaborative relationships among network members as well as other governmental and community-based organizations.

3. Identification of and response to gaps in service delivery systems throughout the community.

AIMS

1. To improve support service provision to survivors by strengthening the links amongst member organizations.

2. To provide mutual support and assistance to survivors of gender-based violence.

3. To exchange information in relation to impact of violence on survivors and treatment and prevention strategies.

4. To offer training, educational and counseling resources to survivors.

5. To enhance awareness and create deeper understanding of the impact of violence on survivors available community resources.

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STRUCTURE

The network is currently made up of organizations and individuals working directly or indirectly with women and children survivors of violence. It is managed by a steering committee and hosted by a member a nominated member organization annually.

Currently, the network is not a legal entity, and therefore has no constitution, bylaws, staff or executive. However, plans are far advanced to have it registered for it to have a legal status.

Membership of the network is totaling about Two-Hundred (200), comprising of both individuals and organizations.