Programming must be shaped by survivor voice and choice

Survivors are experts in their own lives. They best understand their strengths, needs, fears, desires, and dreams. A guiding principle for successful economic empowerment programs is to ensure that survivors’ voices and choices are at the forefront, guiding the design and implementation of the program. Many programs, especially those focused on workforce development, limit options to a specific career pathway, industry, or employer. They may also push individuals into education, training, or employment when they are not ready. Additionally, certain program policies may unintentionally mirror the power and control survivors have experienced. There are many factors that impact survivors’ well-being that are outside of their control, and programming should be responsive to the realities that survivors face.

To break these harmful patterns, programs must provide robust options, integrate survivors’ input into decision-making, and incorporate their feedback into all aspects of program design. By ensuring survivor voice and choice lead the way, programs can help build trust, increase autonomy, and empower individuals to thrive.