Advancing evidence-informed approaches to prevent violence and strengthen communities
The Sexual Violence Research Initiative (SVRI) Forum 2026 brings together researchers, practitioners, policymakers, donors, and development organizations to share evidence and learning on preventing and responding to violence against women and children. Through participation in the forum, World Vision will contribute to conversations about effective, evidence-informed approaches that support safer relationships, stronger communities, and lasting change.
The role of faith-informed approaches in preventing violence
Addressing violence requires approaches that are grounded in evidence and responsive to the realities of the communities they serve. World Vision’s work demonstrates how faith-informed approaches can engage trusted community actors, address harmful social norms, and support meaningful change that continues beyond a project cycle. When implemented responsibly and informed by research, these approaches can contribute to stronger relationships, greater community trust, and improved outcomes for women, children, and families.
An integrated approach to preventing and responding to violence
Preventing and responding to violence against women and children requires coordinated action across prevention, protection, response, referrals, capacity strengthening, resilience building, and community systems. World Vision’s work brings these elements together to address both immediate needs and the underlying factors that contribute to violence.
The PURPOSE project (Promoting a Unified Response and Prevention of Sexual and other forms of violence against women and children in Emergencies) provides one example of this integrated approach. Implemented in refugee and host communities in northern Uganda, PURPOSE II promotes the prevention of, protection from, and response to violence against women and children (VAWC) through a combination of economic empowerment, norms and behavior change, faith-rooted engagement, and community systems strengthening.
At SVRI 2026, World Vision will share learning and endline results from the project. Findings highlight positive changes in household income, access to credit, awareness of risks associated with VAWC, and survivor well-being. The project’s continuous learning approach also informed program adaptations, including structured male engagement, enhanced faith leadership, and greater inclusion of persons with disabilities in programming.
Evidence and learning
World Vision’s participation in SVRI reflects a broader commitment to generating evidence on approaches that help prevent violence, strengthen relationships, and support community well-being.
Becoming One addresses relationship dynamics and harmful social norms through a faith-informed approach that promotes healthier relationships and stronger families. Originating in Uganda, the approach continues to inform implementation, adaptation, and learning in a range of contexts.
The learning shared through PURPOSE also builds on other World Vision approaches, including Empowered Worldview, and Channels of Hope-RESTORE. Together, these approaches engage communities, faith leaders, and local systems to strengthen resilience, address harmful social norms, increase inclusion, and support sustainable change.
