Manual of Psychosocial Support for Migrants
Europe is facing an unprecedented migrant crisis. The movement of thousands of people, fugitives from conflict zones, are challenges to European countries.These migrants have suffered a long-lasting victimization process, initiated by a violent war which made them leave their homes, flee their countries and forced them togo through a tough journey, often with traumatic circumstances, to finally face an uncertain futurein the host countries. All these issues, in addition to the cultural differences, are a big challenge to professionals who will be in contact with these people and support them.
APAV recently participated in the elaboration of a manual, addressed to technicians who are or will be supporting the migrants arriving in Europe - Manual of Psychosocial Support for Migrants. This manual is a common initiative of APAV, the General Health Directorate and the Portuguese Red Cross. It essentially describes the issues of psychosocial impact and presents practical strategies on how to manage situations of suffering and psychological trauma. Among the many assistances that have emerged to help the technicians, the area of psychological trauma was one of the hardest information to find especially detailed guidelines.
The contribution of APAV reflects the experience gained over the years in supporting the migrant victims, victims of trafficking, as well as the knowledge of professionals who manage and support daily complex situations of trauma and intervene in various crisis scenarios. This experience, allied with the contributions of the Red Cross and the General Health Directorate, enabled the creation of a practical manual, with many suggestions of planned situations that may be placed during the support process. These guidelines can help minimize the impact on migrants, but also help the professionals who support them.
The manual was officially launched on February 25th at the National Portuguese Red Cross.
