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VOICES FROM THE FIELDTHE IRC BLOG
Haiti: Jeanne's story
November 2, 2011
By The IRC
The IRC trains women in earthquake-devastated Haiti to provide psychological and social support to survivors of sexual violence in their communities.
Photo: Susana Ferreira/IRC
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -
The International Rescue Committee relies on a vast network of Haitian staff and volunteers throughout Port-au-Prince to carry out our programs—they are the backbone and the driving force of our work here. Here’s a glimpse into the lives of four women—Madeleine, Herta, Francette and Jeanne—who serve as volunteers in Port-au-Prince, trained to provide psychological and social support to survivors of sexual violence, with the IRC’s women’s protection and empowerment program.
My name is Jeanne Helene Victor. I am 42 years old. I’m a trader, a widow, and mother of four children—two girls and two boys. Before January 12, 2010 I lived in Village Solidarite, a small town along the airport road. My house was seriously damaged by the earthquake, so I had to abandon it. A friend who already knew Villambetta brought me here.
My days are split between my personal activities, meetings with psychosocial volunteers, training sessions with IRC, meetings with adolescent girls on Tuesdays and meetings with women on Thursdays. When we find out about a rape case in Villambetta, we listen actively and help the survivor to find solutions.
We share information that explains our work to women and girls residing in the site to help them to better understand the problem of violence and the attitude they need to adopt regarding violence.
Working on this makes me feel good. I now know about women’s rights and the importance of women in society -- and I also know how to assist survivors around me. From that perspective, I have gained a lot of knowledge and maturity. I’m really motivated to work against sexual violence because people in the site understand the importance of my work and that of the whole team. When we intervene in cases of domestic violence, people listen to us and violence ceases.
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