Module 20: Protection Plans - The Office & Home

Introduction (5 minutes)

The facilitator explains:

• The participants will watch a 6 minute film about security practices in an office
• This film was made by Front Line Defenders - the 'actors' are HRDs.

When watching this film, you do not know the exact context and risks faced, so consider the security issues from a general point of view.

While watching, you should be thinking about

• the environment / location in which the office is located
• structural issues - physical aspects of the entire building and the office buildings
• the office practices / procedures / behaviours

And consider the questions:

1. What protection capacities does this office have?
2. What vulnerabilities does this office have?
3. What other issues relating to office security are not featured in the film?

Note for facilitator: see the List of Office Capacities and Vulnerabilities identified by HRDs watching this film

Show the film 10 minutes

Plenary discussion 30 mins

The trainer asks 'what about your home' – is that any different? Should an office be better protected than a home? What about 'protection guidelines' for partners/family members? What kind of plans do participants have for their homes and families?

Note for trainer: See Appendix 6 of the Workbook – Check list: Home Security

Concluding remarks:

The facilitator may make observations, including:

• The security of an office is no greater than its weakest point
• Prevention strategies must be assessed in the light of the threats you face
• Regular reviews (at least every 6 months) of your protection plans should take place
• Importance of access to your client group - security should not put them off, but they should also feel safe in your space. For example if you work with the LGBTIQ community, they may be reluctant to come to your office if you have CCTV. If you have CCTV, place a notice underneath explaining why it is important and how often you delete the video coverage.
• Security should be relevant to the community - if you have high stone walls when everyone else has a low wooden fence, you may be drawing attention to yourself.