What are the locations, providers & quality of existing services?

Map existing VAWG services

Map existing VAWG services

When designing a VAWG response programme or setting up a referral mechanism, teams must identify which services already exist, the extent to which they are functioning and how accessible they are to diverse survivors. This is so new programmes can focus on filling gaps or strengthening areas of weakness, rather than duplicating existing services. It is also important for ensuring that new prevention programmes know where to refer survivors if they need support. 

Survivor advocates, funds and case management support, Employment and livelihood services, Available mobile and remote services, Psychological support services, Health services, Shelter and safe houses, Education and skills services, Childcare and support, Police, courts and legal services

The scope of a service mapping will depend on the size of the focus area, the availability of existing services, and the resources available for mapping. On a basic level, it could involve contacting local government offices, agencies, partners and organisations such as NGOs and CSOs to gather information about the services they provide or refer survivors to. However, it will often also be useful to speak to survivor networks to understand their perspectives on the services available and any barriers they face in accessing them.

Guiding Principles
  • Survivor-Centred Approach
  • Leave No One Behind, Equity and Non-Discrimination
  • Transformative approach
Spotlight Initiative

Approach and Learning

Spotlight Initiative takes an inclusive approach to VAWG service mapping, ensuring that the needs of diverse survivors - including those with disabilities and other marginalised identities - are considered while identifying services and gaps. For example, in Zimbabwe, Spotlight Initiative partnered with Deaf Women Included to map services available to people with disabilities, identify gaps, and use this to inform programme design (see case study below). In Trinidad and Tobago, Spotlight Initiative produced a mapping of VAWG services, with a target audience of women and girls, including those with disabilities, members of the LGBTQI+ community, refugees, and sex workers.

Spotlight Initiative uses a range of approaches to gather data for a VAWG service mapping, including community-based surveys, focus group discussions, and site visits. In Belize, Spotlight Initiative adapted their data collection methods during COVID-19 to map services. Due to movement restrictions that prevented data collection in-person, Spotlight Initiative relied on technology such as emails, phones, and online surveys to gather data. This supported data collection for many communities, but meant the mapping was unable to collect data from individuals without access to technology or electricity, including indigenous populations.

Top Tips

How to map existing VAWG services – top tips based on wider learning in the sector.

Click a tip for more information.
Include the full range of services in your mapping
Use a range of sources to gather information
Questions to consider when identifying services and service gaps
Develop a referral list