Jobs and volunteering

Volunteering

Many local agencies welcome volunteers and run recruitment and training programmes.

Check websites for Victim Support, Next Link and Wish. Check also the Women’s Aid website, for opportunities in Bristol to volunteer on the national domestic violence helpline.

Look also at agencies in neighbouring authorities, which may be reasonably close to Bristol.

These include North Somerset, South Gloucestershire and Bath & North East Somerset.

Check with the agency that they offer a planned programme of training and support.

Some training programmes may give you an accredited qualification.

Agencies usually welcome survivors with personal experience of domestic violence and abuse (see below).

You will need to show that you are open to learning about the causes and that you understand the importance of the confidentiality of the people you work with. The work can be emotionally demanding and you will need to think about how the agency will support you and that you can rely on your own coping strategies.

Paid job vacancies

Usually advertised on websites.

Look also at Bristol Evening Post and the Guardian.

Qualifications needed vary.

There are few qualifications specifically about domestic violence and abuse, though CAADA offers CAT training for Independent Domestic Violence Advisors and Women’s Aid is developing new training programmes. Experience of this work is a good way to start and can be gained through volunteering (see above). A qualification in childcare, social care, housing support, legal training or advice work can also be desirable, but is often not essential.

Because domestic violence and abuse is gender-based violence, some agencies work only with women.

However this is not always the case – check, don’t presume.

From survivor to supporter

It’s a time-honoured tradition for survivors of domestic violence and abuse to move into using their experience to support others. The Women’s Aid refuge network was started by survivors who were determined that women like them should be able to get support. You will be welcome! But consider whether your own situation is calm and/or distant enough to allow you the challenge of working with people whose own situations may bring your experience back to mind in possibly painful ways. Many agencies have policies to support volunteers and paid workers who are survivors.

Advertising

Although we do not advertise jobs or volunteering opportunities on our website, they can be circulated via the BDAF mailing list. Please send a short paragraph, including contact details for further information, to bdaf@bristol.gov.uk.