The statistics on domestic abuse are harrowing. On average two women are killed by their partner or ex-partner every week in England and Wales, while police receive an emergency call relating to domestic abuse every 30 seconds. These figures underline just how crucial it is that those affected by abuse have support services nearby. Three people who battle to help those affected by domestic violence discuss their work.
Lisa Smith, support worker at social housing provider Gentoo Group in Sunderland
My job is to support and work with domestic abuse victims who are self-referrals or have been referred to us from say, a housing manager or the police. First and foremost we have to find a good – and risk-free – time to talk. For those that have been referred without their knowledge, we might ask them to come into the office to talk about rent or anti-social behaviour in the area. Sometimes we have to get creative and speak to them on the school run. The last thing we want is to increase their risk, but once we establish contact we explain that we’re here to help and talk to them about creating a safety plan. Sometimes we’ll work on making them feel safe, so that might involve getting them their own key or organising for the locks to be changed. They might want their outside security light repaired so it gives them a couple of seconds to grab their phone and call 999 or their parents. We can also provide assistance in finding them a place in a refuge or another property elsewhere.
Although we’re a housing organisation, we provide emotional support. We also work on safety planning, such as giving clients the confidence to get back in touch with their family. The day can be full of crises but it’s so rewarding when someone calls and says: I left my house and went shopping for the first time without looking over my shoulder.
Recently a lady called and said she’d opened a bank account for the first time. We take it for granted that we have our own front door key or own cashcard. Her husband never allowed her access to the joint bank account so she feels like she’s been given the world. They’re really small successes but it’s great when a client feels empowered.
Maya Gagni, therapeutic services manager at Woman’s Trust and an independent domestic abuse counsellor
I have two part-time jobs. The first is a therapeutic services manager at Woman’s Trust, a charity that provides counselling and therapeutic work to women affected by domestic abuse across a number of London boroughs. My role involves managing the whole team, which includes about 60 counsellors, clinical supervisors, group workers who facilitate workshops, and various administrators. I ensure women are receiving quality support because when a woman approaches an agency for the first time, it is a major step for them. We need to make sure we are there for them and that they feel heard, accepted and supported through difficulty.
I’ve also been an independent counsellor for 17 years. I’m a trauma specialist. Some clients have short-term needs, such as addressing issues around panic attacks or flashbacks. Sometimes this may involve psychological work in which they might want to explore deeper issues.
It’s important to build trust with clients affected by abuse. We don’t pressure our clients to disclose anything, and we don’t judge them. But hopefully with time, clients start opening up. Survivors internalise self blame and say, “it’s my fault, if only I was good or if I cooked a meal right”. So it’s important for me to make them see things through a different pair of eyes. What keeps me going is that moment when someone shares something with me – a moment of connection. I feel really privileged if someone says: “OK Maya, I trust you, this is who I am.”
Sian Hawkins, public affairs and campaigns manager at Women’s Aid
My job is to ensure that the voices of domestic abuse survivors and our members are heard in government. It’s important their views and concerns are taken into consideration through the policymaking process. I regularly meet with politicians across different parties and work to get them to understand key issues. We try to develop a good relationship with the opposition, and also with backbenchers because sometimes they’re the ones applying for the debate on your behalf.
The best part of my job is when we have a big success in securing funding or legislative changes. I led a campaign to help secure £33m that will go directly to funding refuges in local areas. We’ve also worked to stop victims of domestic abuse being cross-examined by the perpetuator in family courts.
It’s also great when we support grassroots campaigns. For example, [domestic abuse survivor] Mehala Osborne set up a campaign to allow women in refuges to vote anonymously. If they’re in a safe house, it’s tricky as registering anonymously is a nightmare. We partnered with her on the campaign and we were able to secure the commitment of Cabinet Office minister Chris Skidmore to help change the legislation to allow for anonymous voting.
The role can be frustrating because you have this enormous amount of passion and drive of people in the sector and sometimes it’s undermined by lack of funding and buy-in and support. It’s also still seen as only a women’s issue, but it’s an issue that affects everyone.
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