Stronger Together Against Domestic Violence

The Stronger Together Network hosted a very successful seminar on Domestic Violence with a specific look at the BME (Black Minority Ethnic) context last week.

Stronger Together is a support network for organisations and groups working with BME clients, groups, service users etc. to provide information-sharing, best practice support and advice and free training and events.

Eliza Threlfall, Network Support Worker for the Stronger Together Network continues

“The topic of domestic violence was proposed as a potential seminar issue by our members many of whom would have first-hand experience of the impact on some of their own service users or clients. Domestic violence as a stand-alone area is a minefield, but in the BME context there are many more issues such as language, cultural differences, immigration status which further impact the situation. The speakers at this event provided much food for thought and some practical advice and training that delegates could implement in their work, but it is clear that it is the tip of the ice-berg in terms of the knowledge required to provide comprehensive support and advice to those suffering in a domestic violence situation. We thank the PHA for their continued support of the networks that allows us to provide these types of information events for members”

Key speakers at the event included Sharon Burnett from Causeway Women’s Aid who set the scene for delegates regarding the various types of domestic violence and domestic violence victims. With reference to the BME community, Sharon spoke about how the language barrier can be a major stumbling block, particularly at the first request for help. At times, children may be used as the Interpreter which can affect the level to which the victim might explain the issue and also brings serious repercussions for the child to be placed in that position. The group then heard from Ivy Goddard, Ballymena Inter-Ethnic Forum, who spoke in more detail about the impact of culture on domestic violence. Ivy suggested that as language barriers, there were a number of social, religious and cultural barriers that affected the actions of and reporting by domestic violence victims from BME communities. She explained that being far from home and isolated without family or social network of support meant that victims were often afraid to speak out and that often the perpetrator of the domestic violence was in control of communication and finances in that family unit. Ivy spoke about the perceived “shame and sense of dishonour” whereby victims would feel they would be bringing on their wider family circle should their relationship break down.

Adrian Glackin, (STEP) South Tyrone Empowerment Programme’s solicitor gave a case study overview of the financial and legal implications that face BME victims of domestic violence. He referred to the “Right to work, right to stay and right to claim benefits” and gave an overview of how the immigration status of the victim could seriously affect their avenues of support if they were to leave an abusive relationship. He spoke of how victims could be inhibited by the lack of affordable childcare and the family support to provide childcare to allow victims to become financially dependent and how easily it would be for them to fall into the poverty trap. He explained that the sad reality was that due to immigration status and financially dependence, all too often domestic violence sufferers would feel forced to return to their abuser or in fact never leave or speak out in the first instance.

The second part of the event involved “Safe Place” training provided by Lindsey Harris, Onus Consulting. “Safe Place” has a campaign pledge: “never commit, condone or stay silent about Domestic Violence”.  All delegates were provided with the bronze award for their organisation for this and encouraged to display the safe place logo in their work so victims know that they can access some information and be signposted to appropriate services from them.

For more information on the Stronger Together Network, visit www.strongertogetherni.org or telephone Eliza on 028 877 50211 to discuss becoming a member.

 

ENDS

 

Contact: Eliza Threlfall, Network Support Worker 028 87750211 [email protected]

Notes:

  • The Stronger Together Network is an informal network of organisations who work predominantly with culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The key outcomes of the group were to increase sharing of information and identification of partnership opportunities.
  • Seven organisations make up the consortium who currently lead the network: STEP, Artsekta, Chinese Welfare Association, Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum, Ballymoney Community Resource Centre, Community Arts Partnership and African & Caribbean Support Organisation Northern Ireland
  • In 2012, the network successfully applied for funding from the PHA (Public Health Agency) to allow the network to become more formalised and structured. There are currently over 160 members representing BME Organisations and Groups, BME individuals, Community Sector, Volunteer Sector and Public Service Sector.
  • The three key outcomes are to:

1. Share information and knowledge

2. Provide a useful and central shared resource to connect service providers within the sector

3. Identify new opportunities for partnership and innovation

  •  Membership of the Stronger Together Network is currently free of charge
Last updated 3 years 8 months ago