Starting on International Women’s Day we are going to share a series of blogs from members of our staff team describing a typical day. Today we are looking at a day in the life of an East London Rape Crisis specialist ISVA (Independent Sexual Violence Advocate) for Black and minoritised women.
My day begins with general administrative tasks, liaising with women in my caseload and agencies. There are many tasks and a lot to juggle!
Each service user will have a multifaceted experience of both life and trauma and an ISVA is required to holistically support the whole experience of each woman. Some women from black and minoritised communities; may have experienced negative responses from agencies and I know, I need to work harder to gain her trust and continued engagement with our service. At the beginning of the support I build a foundation of respect and create rapport. This helps to ensure meaningful future support. I provide the best support possible, both practical and emotional. My role is solution focussed with a trauma informed woman centred ethos.
As a BME ISVA I provide specialist support. Each woman, on my case load has her own unique experiences of discrimination and oppression. We must consider everything and dismantle each barrier, one by one that can marginalise women and girls. During every discussion, I search to identify her needs, so that I can better understand the structural and personal barriers she faces. Each day, I provide a safe space and offer my insight, support and understanding. That’s my day.
