CCChat-Magazine_3

Over the decades, the economic loss to
myself, whilst raising my family has been
crippling. Yet my ex husband, the father of
my child contributed just fifteen pounds in
eighteen years of his son’s life, due to failures
in the Child Support Agency in the handling
of my case. Essentially, this is the reality and
cost of decades of repeat Police failures in
bringing the perpetrators to justice.
However, having adopted a mask of
resilience, I knew that when I was ready I
would offer my expertise, once again, in a
voluntary capacity. After all, I had financially
just about kept up-to speed by self funding
my Continued Professional Development,
attending poignant seminars, conferences
and launches.
I was focused on obtaining a masters in the
dynamics of domestic violence and abuse.
During my time out I had maintained a
hands-on approach by actively engaging in
awareness raising on Domestic Abuse and
Stalking on Social Media, providing
signposting for victims and survivors, and
updating professionals and activists on key
training needs and national campaigns from
key national players.
I also offer pro bono case work in the
community for senior vulnerable adults,
some with learning difficulties and
disabilities, which have all led to positive
outcomes for a variety of welfare, housing
and health issues.
I felt that my previous experiences in the
domestic abuse sector would be of credit,
especially since the countywide project I had
set-up had gained Statutory, Home Office
and European funding.
“I felt that my previous experiences in the domestic abuse
sector would be of credit,
”
It was at this point - some decades earlier - that I
became acutely aware of the discrimination
experienced by survivors of VAW, with the media
taking the helm in victim blaming and the
normalisation of abuse of women at home,
socially or in the workplace.
Now, over two decades later, I’m seeing a return
to work after nine years. Being in this situation for
any survivor of low-to-no financial means, - after
moving from Refuge to several self-funded moves
and a change in vehicle, etc - means an existence
on welfare and the growing realisation of the fact
that as a survivor, like those before me, we are
faced with necessary and constant battles with
Statutory, Health and Welfare Services and as
post DSVA survivors, we face these systems alone.
This meant going without luxuries such as winter
heating and the pre requisite three meals a day.
But such was my determination and passion in
regaining my career within the DV Sector, I felt it
was a small sacrifice to make. However, due to the
bedroom tax, after two years, I could no longer
afford to continue.
Further, that the success of my work was
undertaken with the mental health issues that I
currently have.
Ironically, in a work environment, it is my mental
health that I have to attribute to my drive and
resilience and the success of that project. I needed
to get back to work in the DSVA Sector - it literally
compounds issues for me in not doing so. So when
the time came I felt quietly confident, but
apprehensive. I applied for a voluntary frontline
worker position for a sexual assault centre. I was
advised to dumb down the application and apply.
I was delighted to receive by return an
opportunity to attend an open day event, so that
the organisation could discuss their role and that
of the position, enabling candidates to make an
informed decision as to whether the job was
suitable for them.
Delighted by the service and the job spec, I
returned their application form and received an
interview immediately. To my surprise the
interviewed was conducted solely by the Volunteer
Co-ordinator.
CCChat Magazine - Making the Invisible Visible