# A community-based strategy for the prevention of gender-based violence with people who live in vulnerable conditions in Seville, Spain

## TL;DR

This study evaluates a community-based strategy to prevent gender-based violence among vulnerable women in Seville, Spain, showing improved awareness and knowledge after the intervention.

## Contribution

The paper introduces a community intervention strategy tailored for vulnerable populations to prevent gender-based violence.

## Key findings

- Participants improved their ability to detect and prevent gender-based violence after the intervention.
- Most women were unaware of the 016 helpline and where to seek help before the program.
- The Mujeres Supervivientes methodology proved effective in supporting vulnerable individuals affected by gender-based violence.

## Abstract

Gender-based violence is a global problem, present in various spheres: economic, political, social, health-related, and cultural. According to official data, in 2021, there were 87,307 calls to the 016 helpline, 120,813 reports of gender-based violence, and 44 women were murdered due to gender-based violence in Spain. The prevalence and differences in the probability of experiencing gender-based violence in Spain show an unequal distribution between Spanish and migrant women, with the latter being in a more vulnerable situation. This study evaluates a community intervention strategy for the prevention of gender-based violence in people who live in vulnerable conditions.

A mixed-method study was conducted, using an adapted questionnaire as well as personal open-ended interviews with each participant. The participants were adults attending the Casa Pumarejo soup kitchen in Seville, including both Spanish and migrant women aged between 20 and 50 years. Additionally, their prior training in gender equality and their knowledge of violence detection were assessed. In personal interviews, an in-depth exploration of each woman’s lived experience and their understanding of how to act or prevent gender-based violence was carried out.

Before the intervention, the participants did not perceive gender-based violence, as they had not received training on the subject, except for those whose studies were related to gender equality. During the intervention, it was discovered that the association Mujeres Supervivientes had developed a successful methodology for assisting people who live in vulnerable conditions and had experienced gender-based violence. Notably, most participants did not know where to seek help when experiencing violence, nor were they aware of the 016 helpline.

Although this is a small-scale local initiative, we can conclude that, thanks to this intervention, the women have improved their ability to detect and prevent gender-based violence.