Breaking the Silence: Advocating for Survivors of Gender-Based Violence

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In this impactful episode, we dive into the critical issue of sexual and gender-based violence, featuring special guests Maria Grazia Surace and Stéphanie Makoumbou from LA VOIX DES SURVIVANT(E)S, an advocacy association supporting survivors of violence. Founded by survivor Ana Pinto, the organization is committed to assisting victims and amplifying their voices in society and within the legislative process in Luxembourg. Maria and Stéphanie, both lawyers, share their personal motivations for joining the association and discuss their efforts to strengthen support systems for survivors.

Together, they outline LA VOIX DES SURVIVANT(E)S' mission and the pressing need for reform in Luxembourg’s legal framework to better protect victims. Their conversation provides a deep look at how societal attitudes and legal systems must evolve to address both overt and subtle forms of violence effectively.

Topics Covered:

• Founding and Mission of LA VOIX DES SURVIVANT(E)S: Established in 2022, the association is dedicated to supporting survivors of gender-based violence and advocating for better legislation. Their primary goals are to help victims regain independence and ensure their voices are heard in policy discussions.
• Addressing Legislative Gaps:Maria and Stéphanie highlight the association's advocacy work, focusing on the need to criminalize psychological violence, coercive control, harassment, femicide, and economic violence. They stress that Luxembourg's current laws inadequately address non-physical forms of abuse, which are equally damaging.
• Proposed Reforms for Victim Support: The association's proposed legislation includes establishing an official victim status, which would improve access to housing, psychological support, and other essential services. Plans for a national support center are also discussed, which would centralize aid and improve data collection on violence.
• Support for Children: The association aims to protect child co-victims of violence, advocating for stronger legal safeguards and access to support services tailored to the needs of young survivors.
• Educational Initiatives and Training: To shift societal perspectives, the organization focuses on educating police, judges, and social workers on handling cases of violence compassionately and effectively. Their work in schools helps inform young people about the impact of violence and the importance of empathy and prevention.
• Cultural Shifts and Specialized Courts: The conversation emphasizes the need for a cultural change in perceptions of both victims and perpetrators. The association calls for specialized courts to ensure that cases of gender-based violence receive the appropriate sensitivity and understanding in the justice system.

Maria and Stéphanie close by reflecting on the vital importance of societal support and collective action in combating violence and supporting survivors.
Click here for show notes and resources mentioned in this episode.