Integrating Faith Sensitivity into Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Work: 10 Frontline Practices

Faith, religion, and spirituality are central to many survivors’ lives and healing. This one-page resource outlines 10 practical, trauma-informed ways to integrate faith sensitivity into gender-based violence (GBV) services.

Based on and adapted from the LN Brief Integrating Faith Sensitivity into Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Work by Dr. Sandra Pertek

June 2025

 

 
 

Access an image of the infographic here

Access a PDF of the infographic here

access THE BRIEF here

Building faith sensitivity requires preparation, reflection, and an intersectional lens. Service providers, team leaders, and practitioners can strengthen their capacity by identifying opportunities to support survivors from faith, religious, or spiritual backgrounds — including within local faith communities. The 10 practices below offer concrete, adaptable ways to incorporate faith sensitivity into everyday GBV work, grounded in survivor-centered and trauma-informed approaches.

  1. Acknowledge that faith matters
    Faith can shape survivor experiences, decisions, and healing. Avoid assumptions — ask what it means to them.
  2. Reflect on your own biases
    Be mindful of how your beliefs may shape how you view or respond to a survivor’s faith.
  3. Respect privacy and readiness
    Create space for faith conversations without pressuring disclosure. Privacy matters.
  4. Practice faith literacy
    Build awareness of diverse traditions, especially those common in your community or service area.
  5. Tailor services to faith needs
    If appropriate, provide access to prayer items, religious texts, or referrals to trusted spiritual care.
  6. Refer to safe, survivor-approved supports
    When possible, offer choices for referrals to inclusive faith leaders, faith-based orgs, or spiritual practitioners.
  7. Train staff and volunteers
    Build team-wide capacity on faith sensitivity and cultural competency.
  8. Engage faith communities
    Collaborate with trusted faith leaders and groups to co-create messages and strengthen outreach.
  9. Include faith in shelter supports
    Provide space and accommodations for spiritual practice when survivors want them.
  10. Monitor and evaluate inclusivity
    Review programs and materials for barriers to inclusion based on religion, spirituality, or creed.
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