South Africa: First responders move from victim blaming to survivor-centred support

A supportive response can encourage someone to seek further help, while judgement or blame can deepen feelings of shame and isolation. Recognising this reality, GRIT delivered Tech-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence (TFGBV) First Responder Training in KwaZulu-Natal, equipping participants with practical skills and resources to support survivors of online abuse.

While the training provided important information about technology-facilitated gender-based violence, one of its most significant impacts went beyond knowledge. It challenged deeply held assumptions about responsibility, consent and survivor support.

Before participating in the training, one first responder acknowledged that they often viewed young people who shared intimate images as careless or irresponsible. If an intimate photograph was later distributed without consent, their initial reaction might have been to ask why the young person had created or shared the image in the first place.

This reaction reflects a common form of victim blaming. Attention is directed towards the behaviour of the person who experienced harm rather than the actions of the individual who violated their trust by sharing the image without permission.

Through the training, participants explored how technology is increasingly woven into modern relationships and daily communication, particularly among young people. Discussions focused on consent, online relationships, digital safety and technology-facilitated abuse. These conversations encouraged participants to think critically about where responsibility for harm truly lies. As the first responder reflected on these issues, their perspective began to change. They came to understand that there is a clear difference between consensually sharing an intimate image and another person distributing that image without permission. The harmful act is not the consensual sharing of the image. The harm occurs when trust is violated and consent is ignored.

This shift in understanding transformed how the participant approached survivor support. Rather than responding with judgement, they became more focused on listening to survivors, validating their experiences and identifying practical ways to assist them.

The training combined these discussions with practical tools to help participants respond effectively to image-based abuse. First responders were introduced to resources such as StopNCII.org and image-hashing technology that can assist survivors whose intimate images have been shared without consent. Participants learned not only what support tools exist, but also how their own attitudes and responses can influence a survivor's willingness to seek help.

One participant explained that before the training they tended to see young people who shared intimate images as irresponsible. However, the workshop helped them reconsider where responsibility for the harm actually belongs.

Another participant reflected that they now understand the difference between consensually sharing an intimate image and someone distributing that image without consent, recognising the latter as the act that causes harm. The most compelling evidence of change emerged when a first responder later encountered a real-life case involving a learner whose intimate images had been shared without permission. Before the training, the participant admitted that they may have focused on questioning why the learner had shared the images. They were also unaware of some of the specialist resources available to support survivors of image-based abuse.

After the training, their response was markedly different. They recognised that the learner was not responsible for another person's decision to distribute the images without consent. Instead of reinforcing shame, they approached the situation with empathy and understanding. Equipped with new knowledge, they were able to direct the learner to practical support resources, including StopNCII.org, and provide informed guidance on available options.

This experience demonstrated that the training had achieved more than a transfer of information. It had changed the way the participant understood consent, accountability and survivor support. The impact was both personal and professional.

When first responders adopt a survivor-centred approach, they help create an environment where survivors feel believed, respected and supported. This can significantly influence whether an individual continues seeking assistance and accessing justice.

The lessons from the training have also influenced GRIT's future approach. The organisation recognises that effective TFGBV training must do more than explain different forms of digital abuse. It must also create opportunities for participants to reflect on their own beliefs and assumptions, particularly those that may unintentionally blame survivors.

Going forward, GRIT will continue integrating survivor-centred and trauma-informed approaches into its first responder training. Practical resources such as StopNCII.org will remain an important part of the curriculum so that participants leave with concrete tools they can apply in real-world situations. The organisation will also continue engaging with first responders and partner organisations to understand how learning is being implemented and where additional support may be needed.

This story demonstrates how meaningful change can begin with a shift in perspective. When one first responder moves from judgement to understanding, the effects can extend far beyond a single conversation. Every survivor deserves to be met with dignity, compassion and support. By challenging victim-blaming attitudes and strengthening survivor-centred responses, this initiative is helping ensure that those seeking help are met with the understanding they need at one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives.