By CTW Team
On January 23, the Psychology Laboratory, in collaboration with the Gender Equity and Protection (GEP) Office and the Gender Violence Recovery Centre (GVRC), conducted a specialized training for the GBV Call Center volunteers. A total of 10 graduate student volunteers participated in this session, aimed at equipping the volunteers with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered support to individuals affected by sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV).
Following the opening remarks by Professor Charity Waithima, Chair of the Department of Psychology in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, the training commenced, facilitated by Dr. Nazarene Kiwinga from the Department of Psychology and Marvin Njuguna from GVRC. The session emphasized trauma-informed care principles, psychological first aid, gender responsiveness, and survivor-centered crisis response. Volunteers learned to recognize trauma responses, communicate safely and empathetically, navigate referral pathways, and maintain professional boundaries while managing difficult calls. Strategies for volunteer wellbeing and prevention of secondary trauma were also included.
The training incorporated role-plays, scenario discussions, and reflective exercises, enabling volunteers to practice skills in realistic call handling situations. Pre- and post-training assessments demonstrated marked improvements in confidence and readiness to respond effectively to survivors of SGBV.
By the end of the training, volunteers reported enhanced preparedness to provide sensitive, survivor-centered support, a deeper understanding of trauma-informed approaches, and improved strategies for self-care. The Psychology Laboratory will continue to offer refresher trainings and ongoing supervision to ensure sustained support for both volunteers and survivors.
The GBV Call Center officially went live on January 26, 2026. Survivors can access support from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm at the Psychology laboratory, by calling any of the following lines: 0730 116 282 / 283 / 284 / 285.
