The IRC is recognised globally as a leader in preventing and responding to violence against women. Our comprehensive approach supports the pursuit of the IRC’s broader vision: a world where women and girls live free from violence as valued and respected members of their community. In 25 countries across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, our innovative programmes focus on providing care to women who have experienced violence as well as tackling the root causes of abuse. The five key elements of our work, outlined below, help restore the dignity of survivors, and create economic opportunities for women and girls to rebuild and transform their lives. Areas of focus > PROVISION OF SERVICES Providing essential health services and support to survivors of violence is the bedrock of the IRC’s approach. For women and girls subjected to violence, the ability to access immediate health care and psychological support can make the difference between a life lived with dignity and one lived in shame. Worldwide, the IRC provided support to some 27,000 survivors of violence in 2013 alone. > VIOLENCE PREVENTION The IRC tackles the root causes of violence against women. By working with community groups and local institutions, our programmes help to change attitudes and support women and girls to realise their potential, free from violence. In Ivory Coast, the IRC runs Men and Women in Partnership, an innovative programme that engages men in efforts to fight abuse. > EMPOWERING WOMEN AND GIRLS When women have control over resources, it enhances their status in their households and communities, providing more chances to participate in the decisions that affect their lives. The IRC has developed an innovative model called EASE (Economic and Social Empowerment) that gives women financial stability and helps enhance their status in the households. After a successful launch in Burundi, the IRC has implemented EASE programmes in nine countries. > RESEARCH AND LEARNING The IRC is committed to developing new and better approaches to respond to and prevent violence against women and girls. In partnership with leading universities and research institutes, we study the effectiveness of our work and apply lessons learned to new projects being developed. The IRC is currently undertaking four cutting-edge research projects across Burundi, Ivory Coast and Congo to reduce domestic violence, empower women, support the recovery of survivors, and change social norms around violence. In 2014, we are starting two major research projects. One targets adolescent girls and aims to reduce their risk to sexual exploitation and abuse, while the second is focused on what works to prevent violence against women and girls in conflict and emergencies. > ADVOCACY Ending violence against women requires political action. At the local level, the IRC seeks to empower women and girls to advocate for the changes that will improve their lives. The IRC’s global advocacy teams lobby for the international community to redouble its efforts to prevent and respond to violence. We have been working within the UK government led Call to Action to prioritise women and girls in emergencies, in partnership with other governments, peer organisations and UN agencies. > CONTINUED From Harm to Home | Rescue-uk.org | 3 Blomsbury Place, London, WC1A 2QL | +44 (0)20 7692 2727 International Rescue Committee UK Women’s Protection and Empowerment