In a critical step to enhance support for survivors of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), a comprehensive two-day Basic Psychosocial Skills Training was conducted in Nuwara-Eliya. The initiative was a collaboration between the Joint Services and Assistance Coordination (JSAC), the Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) Network, and UNFPA Sri Lanka, aimed at equipping frontline responders with essential skills to provide effective and empathetic support.

The training brought together a diverse group of frontline responders, including healthcare workers, social service providers, and community support officers. Participants were trained on key principles of psychosocial support, including how to respond sensitively to survivors of GBV while ensuring their safety, dignity, and access to appropriate services.

Through interactive sessions and group discussions, the training emphasized the importance of promoting empathy and understanding in response efforts. Participants were equipped with tools to identify signs of distress, provide psychological first aid, and connect survivors to necessary support services.

Nuwara-Eliya, with its unique social and geographical challenges, was chosen as a key location to ensure that rural and underserved communities have access to responsive and supportive services. The training reflects ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of local responders to deliver psychosocial support in a sensitive and survivor-centered manner.

This initiative highlights the critical role of multi-stakeholder partnerships in addressing GBV and ensuring survivors receive timely and appropriate care. By building the capacity of frontline responders, the program fosters a culture of understanding, resilience, and compassion within local communities.

The collaboration between JSAC, MHPSS Network, and UNFPA Sri Lanka is part of a broader effort to enhance mental health and psychosocial support services across the country, ensuring no survivor is left behind.