Transparency about participant expectations, choices, and benefits is critical

Transparency builds trust and feelings of safety for participants. Building transparency in economic empowerment programs serving survivors is vital for ensuring that participants feel informed, respected, and empowered throughout the program. When survivors are fully informed about eligibility criteria, services available, expectations, and potential outcomes of participating, they can make informed decisions about their involvement and can increase their preparedness in successfully completing program activities. If organizations offer program options for survivors to pursue, those options should be communicated, and the survivor’s choices should be highlighted. Additionally, survivors should be made aware of program benefits such as compensation or additional wraparound supports.