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Meeting Newcomers’ Protection Needs Part II: A Collection of Resources on Sexual and Gender-based Violence

Refugees and newcomers are survivors of violence, persecution, and other complex situations that arise before and during resettlement. Refugee and newcomer clients may, at times, be exposed to sexual and gender-based violence. This blog post shares service provider resources on these topics, which can be used for adult and youth clients. For resources on protection from fraud and scams, see the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) handbook and posters on how to spot, avoid, and report scams, and Switchboard’s guide to Reporting Scams and Fraud to the Federal Trade Commission. For resources on community safety and crime, see Switchboard’s blog Meeting Newcomers Protection Needs Part I The external resources contained in this blog post represent the views and opinions of their original creators and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of Switchboard.

Sexual and Gender-Based Violence

Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C)

  • U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Public Affairs shared a press release on February 6,, 2023, for the 12th annual International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), including information about FGM in the U.S. context and a national hotline number for reporting FGM/C.  
  • For the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released advocacy and key messages flyers in English, French and Arabic, that can be shared with clients and communities at greater risk for FGM/C.  

LGBTQ+ Resources

  • InReach operates a website and app that matches LGBTQ+ refugees, asylum seekers, and other immigrants with safe, verified, LGBTQ+ friendly resources. Resources include, but are not limited to housing, legal, health, and community support. Information is available in multiple languages including English, Spanish, French, Russian and Arabic. 
  • The LGBT National Help Center offers free and confidential peer support, information, and local resource directories. They offer multiple hotlines including specialty hotlines for youth, seniors and coming out support. Hotlines are staffed by volunteers offering peer-support and are available in English. 
  • The Trevor Project provides a safe space for youth to make friends with other LGBTQ+ identifying youth. They also offer information and a crisis hotline staffed with trained counselors for LGBTQ+ youth experiencing suicidal ideation. The hotline is available in English, via phone, webchat, or text.   
  • The Network/La Red is a survivor-led, social justice organization that works to end partner abuse in LGBTQ+ communities. They provide education and support services as well as a 24-hour hotline, supporting LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing partner abuse.  

Child Protection

Child Sexual Abuse 

  • The U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) Afghan Behavioral Health Support Program recently published a flyer for newcomer children and caregivers about body safety and consent (available in English, Dari, and Pashto) as well as a guide for adults including caregivers, teachers and service providers to teach children appropriate personal and relationship boundaries. The program also provides services directly to Afghan newcomers experiencing behavioral health concerns. 
  • The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) hosts an expansive resource library for service providers working with children and families experiencing trauma. For those interested in learning more about child sexual abuse, they offer fact sheets, info guides, webinars and other tools.   

Forced Marriage 

Child Abuse and Neglect 

  • Childhelp provides resources, support, and evidence-based programs and services to children who have been abused, neglected, or at risk. 
  • Child Welfare Information Gateway provides a list of organizations across the country dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. 

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