Confronting Gender Based Violence: Global Lessons for Healthcare Workers from Coursera

This course introduces participants from the healthcare sector to gender based violence (GBV), including global epidemiology of GBV; health outcomes; seminal research; and clinical best practices for GBV prevention, support, and management. A core curriculum is supplemented by lectures that contextualize the content with specific examples and programs from around the world. The core curriculum introduces learners to a global perspective on gender based violence (GBV), and includes a review with Dr. Claudia Garcia-Moreno of the new WHO guidelines on responding to violence. Students who wish to receive Honors Recognition will complete the honors module, which expands on the core material and highlights special circumstances and programs.

This is an in-depth course with 2 components:

1) Core curriculum introduces GBV from a global perspective, with an emphasis on ensuring a strong health sector response to GBV and teaching key competencies for social workers, physicians, nurses, midwives, community health workers, counselors, and other healthcare workers. Completion of the core content is required for students to pass the course.

2) Honors curriculum offered by experts from around the world helps students dive deeper into certain issues, and touches on unique populations and specialized topics. Completion of Honors curriculum is required for those students who wish to receive a Certificate of Accomplishment with Honors.

After taking the course, students will be able to:

● Describe the global epidemiology of leading forms of GBV and the evidence linking GBV to poor health.

● Articulate the challenges, strategies, and WHO guidelines for integrating GBV response within the health sector.

● Describe the components of a comprehensive clinical assessment, treatment, and management of a GBV survivor.

● Describe the appropriate psychosocial support and management of a GBV survivor.

Module 1 – Introduction to GBV- Epidemiology and Health Impact

GBV comes in a variety of forms, each with health consequences for the survivor. An understanding of these issues helps inform a comprehensive and multi-sectorial response for preventing and responding to GBV.

Module 2 – Health Care Response, Screening, and Psychosocial Support

Recognition of health impacts of GBV has led to calls to address GBV within the health sector. Support for GBV survivors extends beyond clinical exam and assessment. Safety planning, harm reduction, and access to psychosocial support must be ensured.

Module 3 – Clinical Care for GBV Survivors

Caring for GBV survivors requires compassionate, confidential, and nondiscriminatory clinical assessment. Competent medical and forensic examination, along with appropriate documentation, is essential.

Honors Module – In-Depth Information and Special Topics

This module provides additional materials for those who wish to explore specialized topics and gain a more advanced grasp of the complexities of addressing gender-based violence. Core course topics are expanded upon, and special populations and programs are highlighted. Special topics include violence in humanitarian settings, against adolescents and sex workers, and human trafficking. Further information is provided on epidemiology, policy, and ethical guidelines, as well as the use of mHealth in GBV screening and care. We’ll cover the unique challenges of GBV research, and explore programs that encourage men and boys to be engaged in the prevention of violence against women.

Acknowledgments

This course is a project of the Johns Hopkins Center for Clinical Global Health Education. We would like to gratefully acknowledge the following collaborators:

● Centre for Enquiry into Health and Allied Themes (CEHAT)

● International Center for Research on Women's (ICRW) Asia Regional Office

● Center on Gender Equity and Health at University of California, San Diego

● Division of Global Public Health at University of California, San Diego

● World Health Organization

● RTI International

● Swayam

● Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Center for Public Health and Human Rights

● Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Population, Family & Reproductive Health

● Johns Hopkins School of Nursing

This course is made possible through the generosity of the Ujala Foundation, the Vijay & Marie Goradia Charitable Foundation, and the Wyncote Foundation.

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to GBV - Epidemiology and Health Impact

GBV comes in a variety of forms, each with health consequences for the survivor. An understanding of these issues helps inform a comprehensive and multi-sectorial response in preventing and responding to GBV.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Provides a comprehensive overview of gender-based violence (GBV), including its epidemiology, health outcomes, and clinical best practices for prevention, support, and management

Taught by instructors Michele Decker, ScD, MPH, who are experts in the field of GBV

Core curriculum is supplemented by lectures that contextualize the content with specific examples and programs from around the world

Suitable for healthcare professionals from a variety of backgrounds, including social workers, physicians, nurses, midwives, community health workers, counselors, and others

Offers an in-depth honors module that expands on the core material and highlights special circumstances and programs

May require an extensive understanding of healthcare concepts and practices

Reviews summary

Comprehensive global gbv training for healthcare

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and globally relevant overview of gender-based violence for healthcare workers. Students widely praise the depth of content, finding the lectures and readings informative and well-structured. The course provides practical knowledge and strategies applicable in clinical settings. Many appreciate the focus on the health sector response and the inclusion of WHO guidelines. While the material is dense, most learners find it highly valuable for professional development, equipping them with essential skills to support survivors. The Honors module is noted for offering deeper dives into specific populations and complex issues.

Content is dense, requiring dedicated study time.

"The material is quite dense, requiring significant time to process."

"There's a lot of information packed into each module."

"While comprehensive, the volume of content can feel overwhelming at times."

"Be prepared for a substantial amount of reading and video content."

Lecturers and video content are well-received.

"The lecturers were very knowledgeable and presented the material clearly."

"I appreciated the engaging video lectures that made complex topics easier to grasp."

"The instructor's expertise was evident throughout the course."

"Videos and presentations were high quality and informative."

Learners find the skills directly applicable to work.

"The information provided is directly applicable to my work as a healthcare provider."

"I learned practical strategies for supporting GBV survivors in a clinical setting."

"This course gave me concrete tools and knowledge I can use immediately."

"It equipped me with essential skills relevant to my professional practice."

Content specifically tailored for healthcare workers.

"As a healthcare professional, this course was perfectly tailored to my needs."

"It focused on the specific role of healthcare workers in addressing GBV."

"The course provided necessary information for integrating GBV response into health settings."

"Very relevant material for anyone working in the health sector."

Depth and breadth of material is highly praised.

"This course provided a comprehensive overview of GBV, covering many important aspects."

"I found the content very thorough and well-researched."

"The modules covered a lot of ground, providing a solid foundation."

"It addresses GBV issues in a comprehensive way, from epidemiology to clinical care."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Confronting Gender Based Violence: Global Lessons for Healthcare Workers with these activities:

Review the basics of gender analysis

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Begin by reviewing gender analysis concepts to assure a better foundation in working to prevent and care for survivors of gender-based violence

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Read introductory articles or book chapters on gender analysis
Attend a workshop or online course on gender analysis

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Career center

Learners who complete Confronting Gender Based Violence: Global Lessons for Healthcare Workers will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Social Worker

This course is an excellent fit for people who want to enter the social work profession. Social Workers help people who are struggling with personal or social problems, and they often work with victims of gender-based violence. The course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to work with GBV survivors, including how to provide support, safety planning, and referrals to other services. By taking this course, you will also become familiar with the unique needs of GBV survivors and learn how to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.

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Nurse

Nurses play a vital role in providing care to GBV survivors. They can provide medical care, support, and counseling, and they can also help to connect survivors with other services. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to care for GBV survivors, including how to conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment, provide appropriate medical care, and offer support and counseling.

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Physician

Physicians can play a key role in identifying and responding to GBV. They can provide medical care, support, and counseling, and they can also help to connect survivors with other services. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to care for GBV survivors, including how to conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment, provide appropriate medical care, and offer support and counseling. You will also learn about the unique challenges of providing care to GBV survivors and how to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.

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Midwife

Midwives provide care to women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. They can play a vital role in identifying and responding to GBV, as they are often the first healthcare providers to come into contact with survivors. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to care for GBV survivors, including how to conduct a comprehensive clinical assessment, provide appropriate medical care, and offer support and counseling. You will also learn about the unique challenges of providing care to GBV survivors and how to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.

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Counselor

Counselors provide support and guidance to people who are struggling with personal or social problems, and they often work with victims of gender-based violence. This course will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to work with GBV survivors, including how to provide support, safety planning, and referrals to other services. By taking this course, you will also become familiar with the unique needs of GBV survivors and learn how to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.

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Community Health Worker

Community Health Workers (CHWs) provide health education, support, and referrals to people in their communities. They can play a vital role in identifying and responding to GBV, as they are often trusted members of the community who have a good understanding of the local context. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to work with GBV survivors, including how to provide support, safety planning, and referrals to other services. By taking this course, you will also become familiar with the unique needs of GBV survivors and learn how to provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.

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Healthcare Administrator

Healthcare administrators oversee the day-to-day operations of healthcare organizations. They are responsible for ensuring that the organization is providing high-quality care to patients, while also managing the financial and operational aspects of the organization. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful healthcare administrator, including how to manage a budget, develop policies and procedures, and improve the quality of care. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of providing care to GBV survivors and how to develop and implement effective GBV prevention and response programs.

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Health Educator

Health educators develop and implement educational programs to promote health and prevent disease. They can play a vital role in preventing GBV by educating people about the issue and how to prevent it. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful health educator, including how to develop and implement educational programs, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and work with diverse populations. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of preventing GBV and how to develop and implement effective GBV prevention programs.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues, and they make recommendations to policymakers. They can play a vital role in developing and implementing policies to prevent and respond to GBV. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful policy analyst, including how to research and analyze public policy issues, develop policy recommendations, and communicate policy findings to policymakers. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of developing and implementing GBV prevention and response policies.

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Advocate

Advocates work to promote the rights of people who are marginalized or discriminated against. They can play a vital role in advocating for the rights of GBV survivors and working to prevent GBV. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful advocate, including how to build relationships with stakeholders, develop and implement advocacy campaigns, and work with the media. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of advocating for the rights of GBV survivors and how to develop and implement effective GBV prevention and response advocacy campaigns.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct research to advance knowledge in a particular field. They can play a vital role in developing new knowledge about GBV and how to prevent and respond to it. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful researcher, including how to design and conduct research studies, analyze data, and publish research findings. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of conducting GBV research and how to develop and implement effective GBV research studies.

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Program Manager

Program managers oversee the day-to-day operations of programs and services. They are responsible for planning, implementing, and evaluating programs, as well as managing the staff and budget. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful program manager, including how to plan and implement programs, evaluate program effectiveness, and manage staff and budgets. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of managing GBV prevention and response programs and how to develop and implement effective programs.

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Forensic Examiner

Forensic examiners collect and analyze evidence in criminal cases. They can play a vital role in investigating and prosecuting GBV cases. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful forensic examiner, including how to collect and analyze evidence, prepare reports, and testify in court. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of investigating and prosecuting GBV cases and how to handle evidence in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner.

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Law Enforcement Officer

Law enforcement officers investigate crimes and enforce the law. They can play a vital role in preventing and responding to GBV. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful law enforcement officer, including how to investigate crimes, enforce the law, and work with victims and witnesses. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of investigating and prosecuting GBV cases and how to handle victims and witnesses in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner.

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Prosecutor

Prosecutors represent the government in criminal cases. They are responsible for presenting evidence to the court and arguing for a conviction. This course will help you to develop the skills you need to be a successful prosecutor, including how to investigate crimes, present evidence, and argue in court. By taking this course, you will also learn about the unique challenges of prosecuting GBV cases and how to handle victims and witnesses in a sensitive and trauma-informed manner.

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