Beyond Trauma

Sexual violence is a pervasive and alarming issue that significantly impacts the lives of young people worldwide, and Tanzania is no exception. Globally, it is estimated that 1 in 3 women experience physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives, with young women and girls being particularly vulnerable. The problem is compounded by a lack of access to essential support services, including counseling, which can play a crucial role in helping victims cope and recover from the trauma of sexual violence.

In Tanzania, sexual violence against young people is a critical concern. A study conducted by the Tanzania Commission for AIDS foundthat 36% of women aged 15-49 had experienced sexual violence at some point in their lives. Another study by UNICEF revealed that 3 out of 10 Tanzanian girls experience sexual violence before the age of 18. These figures highlight the scale of the problem and the urgent need for support services.

The factors contributing to the problem are multifaceted and include social, cultural, and economic aspects. Stigma and societal taboos often discourage victims from seeking help or reporting incidents, while limited access to appropriate services and information further hinders their ability to receive the support they need. Moreover, the existing support services are often inadequate, underfunded, and lack the necessary expertise to handle cases of sexual violence effectively.

The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the situation, with lockdowns and restrictions limiting access to support services, while also increasing the risk of sexual violence due to confinement with abusers. This has created a situation where young victims of sexual violence are more vulnerable than ever before, with fewer avenues for support and help.

Our solution, Beyond Trauma, is a dedicated counseling service designed specifically to support young people who have been victims of sexual violence. The primary objective of our solution is to provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental space where young victims can receive professional counseling and support to help them cope with and recover from the trauma of sexual violence.

At the core of Beyond Trauma is a team of highly trained and experienced counselors and therapists who specialize in trauma-informed care. They employ a range of therapeutic techniques and interventions tailored to meet the individual needs of each victim, recognizing that the impact of sexual violence is unique to each person. The counseling sessions are conducted in a private and comfortable setting, either in person or via virtual platforms, to ensure accessibility for all victims, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Beyond Trauma utilizes a holistic approach that encompasses not only psychological support but also legal and medical assistance, if required. Our counselors work closely with other service providers, including legal aid organizations and healthcare facilities, to ensure that victims have access to the necessary resources to address all aspects of their experience.

Our solution has been implemented in the Iringa district of Tanzania, where we have successfully provided counseling services to 12 young girls aged between 10 to 12 years. The feedback from the beneficiaries has been overwhelmingly positive, with many reporting significant improvements in their emotional well-being and overall quality of life.

The technology used in Beyond Trauma includes a confidential online platform that allows victims to access counseling services remotely, ensuring that help is available regardless of geographical constraints. The platform is equipped with the latest security features to protect the privacy and confidentiality of the users.

Our solution, Beyond Trauma, serves young people aged between 10 to 18 years who have been victims of sexual violence. This population is particularly vulnerable and often underserved due to various barriers such as stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to specialized support services.

In Tanzania, where our program is currently implemented, young victims of sexual violence often face significant challenges in accessing the support they need. The prevalence of sexual violence in the country is alarming, with a study conducted by the Tanzania Violence Against Children Survey revealing that approximately 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys experience sexual violence before the age of 18. The impact of such traumatic experiences on the mental and emotional well-being of these young victims cannot be overstated.

Beyond Trauma addresses the needs of these young victims by providing them with specialized counseling services that are tailored to their unique experiences and challenges. Our team of trained counselors employs a trauma-informed approach that is sensitive to the emotional and psychological needs of victims of sexual violence. The counseling sessions provide a safe and confidential space where the victims can openly share their experiences, feelings, and thoughts without fear of judgment or retribution.

The impact of our solution on the lives of these young victims is profound. By receiving professional support and guidance, they are able to develop the necessary coping mechanisms and resilience to overcome the trauma of sexual violence. The counseling sessions also empower the victims by helping them to regain a sense of control over their lives and providing them with the tools to build a positive and hopeful future.

In addition to the psychological support, Beyond Trauma also offers legal and medical assistance, if required, to address all aspects of the victim's experience. Our counselors work closely with other service providers, including legal aid organizations and healthcare facilities, to ensure that the victims have access to the necessary resources to address the legal and medical implications of sexual violence.

Our team, led by Neema, has a deep personal and professional connection to the communities we are serving in Iringa District, Tanzania. I grew up in this community and have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of sexual violence on young victims and their families. This personal experience has fueled my passion and commitment to addressing this issue and providing support to those who have been affected.

The team at Beyond Trauma is made up of individuals who are not only professionally qualified but also share a deep commitment to the cause. Many of our team members have personal experiences or connections to the issue of sexual violence, which enhances our understanding and empathy towards the victims we are serving. We are not outsiders trying to impose solutions; we are part of the community and are deeply invested in its well-being.

To ensure that our solution is tailored to the needs of the victims we are serving, we engage in ongoing dialogue with the community. We conduct regular meetings and focus groups with victims, their families, and other community members to gather their input, ideas, and feedback. This community-based approach ensures that our solution is grounded in the realities and needs of the victims and is culturally sensitive and relevant.

In addition to community engagement, we also work closely with local organizations, healthcare providers, and legal aid services to ensure a holistic approach to supporting the victims. This multi-stakeholder collaboration enhances the effectiveness of our solution and ensures that the victims have access to the necessary resources and support.

Our team's deep personal and professional connection to the communities we are serving, combined with our community-based approach, positions us well to deliver our solution effectively. We are not just providing a service; we are part of a collective effort to support and empower young victims of sexual violence in our community.

Our solution has currently served 12 young girls aged 10-12 in the Iringa districts. These girls have directly benefited from our counseling services, which are specifically tailored to address the unique needs and challenges faced by young victims of sexual violence. 

Through our program, we have been able to provide a safe and supportive environment for these girls to process their trauma and begin the journey towards healing and recovery. 

While our current reach is limited to a small number of individuals, we are actively working to expand our services to reach more young people in the community and beyond. Our goal is to make our counseling services accessible to all young victims of sexual violence who need them, regardless of their location or circumstances.

Our solution is innovative in its approach to addressing the problem of sexual violence against young girls by providing counseling services that are tailored specifically to their unique needs and challenges. We have designed our counseling program to be culturally sensitive and trauma-informed, ensuring that the girls feel safe and supported throughout the healing process. Our team of counselors is trained in evidence-based therapeutic techniques that are proven to be effective in helping victims of sexual violence overcome trauma and rebuild their lives.

We are leveraging technology to reach a wider audience and provide our counseling services to girls in remote areas who may not have access to traditional support systems. Our online platform allows us to connect with girls from all over the country, providing them with the resources and support they need to overcome the trauma of sexual violence. This innovative approach to service delivery ensures that no girl is left behind, regardless of where she lives or her socioeconomic status.

Our solution is designed to be sustainable and scalable. We have developed a business model that allows us to generate revenue through a combination of donor funding, grants, and fee-for-service offerings, ensuring that we have the financial resources needed to continue providing our services and expand our reach to help even more girls.

Over the next year, our impact goals are to:

1. Expand our counseling services to reach an additional 200 young girls who have been victims of sexual violence.
2. Develop and implement a comprehensive training program for our counselors, ensuring that they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to support the unique needs of young victims of sexual violence.
3. Establish partnerships with local schools and community organizations to raise awareness about the prevalence and impact of sexual violence against young girls and the availability of our counseling services.

To achieve these goals, we will focus on building a strong network of partners and stakeholders who are committed to supporting our mission. We will also invest in the professional development of our team, ensuring that they have the tools and resources they need to provide the best possible support to the girls we serve.

Over the next five years, our impact goals are to:

1. Expand our services to reach an additional 1000 young girls who have been victims of sexual violence.
2. Establish a comprehensive support system that includes legal, medical, and social services to support the holistic needs of young victims of sexual violence.
3. Develop and implement a robust monitoring and evaluation system to assess the impact of our services and continuously improve our program based on feedback from the girls we serve.

To achieve these goals, we will focus on scaling our program to reach more girls in need. This will require a significant investment in our infrastructure, including the development of a state-of-the-art counseling center and the recruitment of additional counselors and support staff. 

We will also work to build strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and community leaders, to ensure that we have the support and resources we need to succeed. Finally, we will develop and implement a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation system to assess the impact of our services and make continuous improvements based on feedback from the girls we serve.

Activities:

1. Providing counseling services to young girls who are victims of sexual violence.
2. Training and development of counselors to meet the unique needs of our target population.
3. Forming partnerships with local schools and community organizations for awareness raising.
4. Establishing a support system that includes legal, medical, and social services.

Immediate Outputs:

1. Improved mental health and wellbeing of young girls who have received counseling.
2. Increased capacity and effectiveness of our counselors.
3. Greater community awareness about the prevalence and impact of sexual violence against young girls.
4. Enhanced support system for young victims of sexual violence.

Short-term Outcomes:

1. Improved emotional and psychological health of young girls who have received counseling.
2. Increased utilization of our counseling services.
3. Stronger community support for victims of sexual violence.
4. Greater access to necessary legal, medical, and social services for young victims.

Long-term Outcomes:

1. Empowered young girls who are able to thrive despite their experiences with sexual violence.
2. Reduction in the prevalence of sexual violence against young girls.
3. Increased accountability and support for victims at the community level.
4. Improved systems and infrastructure to support victims of sexual violence.

To support the links between our activities, outputs, and outcomes, we have conducted interviews with our target population, which has provided us with valuable insights into the needs and challenges faced by young victims of sexual violence. This has informed the design and implementation of our counseling services, ensuring that they are tailored to meet the needs of the girls we serve. 

Additionally, we have collected data on the impact of our services, which has shown positive improvements in the mental health and wellbeing of the girls who have received counseling. We have also engaged with local community leaders and organizations, whose support has been crucial in raising awareness and building a strong network of partners and stakeholders.

• 3 full-time staff members, including the team lead, a counselor, and a program coordinator.
• 2 part-time staff members who are responsible for community outreach and partnership development.

Since May 2023, our team has been diligently working on developing and implementing our counseling services solution for young victims of sexual violence. Over these months, we have focused on fine-tuning our program, building partnerships with local communities and organizations, and delivering quality counseling services to our target population. 

Our team is deeply committed to addressing the needs of young girls who have experienced sexual violence, and we continue to learn and adapt our approach to better serve them.

At Beyond Trauma, we are deeply committed to incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusivity (DEI) into every aspect of our work. We recognize that DEI is not just a goal but a fundamental principle that should guide our actions and decisions. Here's how we approach DEI:

1. Diverse Leadership Team: Our leadership team is intentionally diverse, with a mix of gender, age, and background. We believe that diversity at the leadership level helps us make more informed decisions and better understand the needs of the diverse communities we serve.

2. Ongoing Training: We prioritize ongoing DEI training for our team members to ensure that we have a deep understanding of the issues related to sexual violence and its impact on diverse groups. This training helps us provide culturally sensitive and inclusive support to our clients.

3. Culturally Competent Counseling: Our counselors are trained to be culturally competent, recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals from different backgrounds. We strive to create a safe and inclusive space where all clients feel respected and valued.

4. Community Engagement: We actively engage with the communities we serve to understand their specific needs and preferences. We seek input from community members to inform the design and delivery of our services, ensuring that they are culturally appropriate and relevant.

5. Partnerships: We collaborate with local organizations and community leaders to build strong partnerships that enhance our DEI efforts. These partnerships help us reach marginalized and underserved populations and ensure that our services are accessible to all.

6. Equal Access: We are committed to providing equal access to our services, regardless of gender, age, socioeconomic status, or any other identity-based attribute. We actively work to eliminate barriers that may prevent marginalized groups from accessing our support.

7. Feedback Mechanisms: We have established feedback mechanisms that allow clients and community members to provide input on our services and operations. We value this feedback and use it to continuously improve our approach and better serve our diverse client base.

8. Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for advancing DEI within our organization and in the communities we serve. We regularly assess our progress and make adjustments to our strategies as needed.

9. Continuous Learning: We recognize that DEI is an ongoing journey, and we are committed to continuous learning and growth in this area. We stay informed about best practices and research related to DEI and incorporate these insights into our work.

Our business model is designed to provide value to young victims of sexual violence by offering them counseling services, support, and resources tailored to their unique needs. We prioritize impact and revenue sustainability in a way that ensures our services are accessible to those who need them while also allowing us to grow and expand our reach.

Key Customers and Beneficiaries:

1. Young Victims of Sexual Violence: Our primary beneficiaries are young girls aged 10-12 who have experienced sexual violence. We provide them with individual and group counseling sessions, trauma-informed support, and resources to help them cope and heal.

2. Parents and Caregivers: We also consider parents and caregivers of the young victims as important beneficiaries. They receive guidance on how to support their children through the healing process and navigate the challenges associated with sexual violence.

Products and Services:

• Counseling Services: Our core service is providing counseling to young victims of sexual violence. This includes individual and group therapy sessions led by trained counselors.

• Support Resources: We offer a range of support resources, including educational materials, self-help tools, and referrals to legal and medical services.

How We Provide These Products and Services:

• Online Platform: We use a secure online platform to connect with our clients, conduct counseling sessions, and provide access to support resources. This allows us to reach clients in remote areas who may not have access to in-person services.

• Trained Counselors: Our team of trained counselors delivers our counseling services and support resources. They undergo continuous professional development to stay up-to-date with best practices in trauma-informed care.

Why They Want or Need Them:

• Specialized Support: Young victims of sexual violence need specialized support that acknowledges their unique experiences and challenges. Our services are tailored to address these needs.

• Safe and Confidential Space: Our online platform provides a safe and confidential space for clients to share their experiences and access support, which is essential for victims of sexual violence.

Revenue Generation:

1. Donor Funding: We seek funding from donors, foundations, and government agencies that support initiatives focused on addressing sexual violence and supporting victims.

2. Grants: We apply for grants that are specifically aimed at organizations working in the field of sexual violence prevention and support.

3. Fee-for-Service: In addition to seeking grants and donor funding, we offer fee-for-service counseling sessions for clients who can afford to pay. This revenue helps sustain our operations and allows us to continue providing free services to those who cannot afford to pay.

Our business model is designed to balance our commitment to providing accessible support to young victims of sexual violence with the need for sustainability and growth. By generating revenue through a mix of funding sources, we ensure that we can continue our mission and expand our reach to help more young girls in need.

Our plan for becoming financially sustainable revolves around diversifying our revenue streams while remaining committed to our mission of providing accessible support to young victims of sexual violence. We recognize that a sustainable financial model is crucial to the longevity and impact of our organization. Here's how we plan to achieve financial sustainability:

1. Donor Funding and Grants: We will continue to actively seek donor funding and grants from foundations, NGOs, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations that support initiatives focused on addressing sexual violence and supporting victims. These funds will be instrumental in covering our operational and programmatic expenses.

2. Fee-for-Service Model: In addition to seeking grants and donor funding, we offer fee-for-service counseling sessions for clients who can afford to pay. This revenue will contribute to sustaining our operations and allow us to provide free services to those who cannot afford to pay. We will establish a sliding fee scale based on income to ensure affordability.

3. Partnerships and Collaborations: We will explore opportunities to collaborate with government agencies and educational institutions to provide counseling services to young victims of sexual violence as part of broader programs and initiatives. These collaborations may involve service contracts and funding agreements.

4. Social Enterprise Initiatives: We will consider the development of social enterprise initiatives, such as the creation of educational resources and materials related to sexual violence prevention and awareness. Revenue generated from these initiatives can support our core counseling services.

5. Community Fundraising and Events: We will engage in community fundraising efforts and events to raise awareness about our cause and secure financial support from local communities. These events may include charity walks, awareness campaigns, and partnerships with local businesses.

6. Impact Investment: We will explore opportunities for impact investment from socially responsible investors and impact-focused organizations that align with our mission and values. This capital infusion can help us scale our operations and reach more young victims.

7. Sustainability Planning: We will implement rigorous financial planning and sustainability strategies, including budgeting, cost-effectiveness analysis, and financial forecasting, to ensure that our revenue streams cover our expected expenses and allow for growth.

8. Continuous Monitoring and Evaluation: We will regularly assess the financial sustainability of our organization and make necessary adjustments to our revenue model based on changing circumstances and the evolving needs of our clients and communities.

Our long-term goal is to create a balanced financial model that combines revenue from multiple sources while maintaining our commitment to accessibility and affordability for young victims of sexual violence. By diversifying our funding streams, we aim to build a resilient and financially sustainable organization that can continue to provide essential support to those in need for years to come.