Resourcing Leaders - a Change for Addressing DFV in Multicultural Communities (VIRTUAL)
Tracks
Ballroom One
| Thursday, December 2, 2021 |
| 11:36 AM - 11:56 AM |
Overview
Mrs Camilla Wawi, NSW Dept Of Justice
Mr Sam Borka, NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Speaker
Mr Sam Borka
Community Liaison Officer
NSW Department of Communities and Justice
Resourcing Leaders - a Change for Addressing DFV in Multicultural Communities (VIRTUAL)
Biography
A former asylum seeker, has worked tirelessly supporting and assisting refugees since 2008,
first as an adult settlement teacher at University of Western Sydney then Navitas English, and currently
in his role at NSW Department of Communities and Justice since 2013. Sam is a part of many interagency
meetings and multicultural working groups and has shown initiative for and led many successful events to
support refugees and newly arrived migrants through delivering many events including
information sessions, Court open days, Law expos, and Field visits to police stations and local
courts where the aim is to break barriers between CALD community members and the
authorities. Sam is the co-founder of the South West Sydney Domestic Violence Committee and the winner of 2020 NSW Humanitarian award.
Mrs Camilla Wawi
Senior Policy Officer
NSW Dept Of Justice
Resourcing Leaders - a Change for Addressing DFV in Multicultural Communities (VIRTUAL)
Abstract
Many multicultural communities are faith based and seek support from their religious and community leaders before accessing the justice system or any other government agency.
Recognising that religious and community leaders are often first points of contact for multicultural communities seeking support and guidance for DFV matters, it is crucial that these leaders are skilled with the right information to make appropriate referrals and respond effectively to families exposed to violence.
With this in mind, the Multicultural Policy & Engagement team from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice have developed and delivered numerous half-day DFV seminars for leaders across NSW. Leaders leave the seminar up-skilled in the latest DFV law and justice information; with an increased awareness of services and referral points; and an understanding of their role in supporting victims and families impacted by DFV. These seminars encourage leaders to reflect on their current approaches and how they can change their response to better help the lives of their community and future generations.
This paper will present the Department’s journey working with religious leaders including:
• Challenges
• The process including consultation, community
engagement, collaboration with stakeholders and
delivery of the project
• Data
• Avoiding culture and religion clashing with the system
• Seminar & resource content
• Future work
The seminar has proven a valuable exercise not only in building rapport with leaders but also learning about their needs and experiences. The seminar has presented other opportunities to work with religious and community leaders. One such opportunity is the development and delivery of accredited DFV training through TAFE NSW for leaders. Other opportunities include planning for a large event in late 2021 for religious leaders to come together on DFV issues, and developing additional resources and materials to support religious leaders to address DFV in their communities.
3 Key Learnings:
1. Religious and Community Leaders area a valuable resource and ally when addressing DFV issues within multicultural communities.
2. Religious and Community Leaders need information and support to make the right referrals, despite their good intentions.
3. Whilst there are challenges when working with and building a rapport with leaders, which takes time, the relationship can be mutually beneficial with leaders, providing insights into working more inclusively and effectively with multicultural communities.
Recognising that religious and community leaders are often first points of contact for multicultural communities seeking support and guidance for DFV matters, it is crucial that these leaders are skilled with the right information to make appropriate referrals and respond effectively to families exposed to violence.
With this in mind, the Multicultural Policy & Engagement team from the NSW Department of Communities & Justice have developed and delivered numerous half-day DFV seminars for leaders across NSW. Leaders leave the seminar up-skilled in the latest DFV law and justice information; with an increased awareness of services and referral points; and an understanding of their role in supporting victims and families impacted by DFV. These seminars encourage leaders to reflect on their current approaches and how they can change their response to better help the lives of their community and future generations.
This paper will present the Department’s journey working with religious leaders including:
• Challenges
• The process including consultation, community
engagement, collaboration with stakeholders and
delivery of the project
• Data
• Avoiding culture and religion clashing with the system
• Seminar & resource content
• Future work
The seminar has proven a valuable exercise not only in building rapport with leaders but also learning about their needs and experiences. The seminar has presented other opportunities to work with religious and community leaders. One such opportunity is the development and delivery of accredited DFV training through TAFE NSW for leaders. Other opportunities include planning for a large event in late 2021 for religious leaders to come together on DFV issues, and developing additional resources and materials to support religious leaders to address DFV in their communities.
3 Key Learnings:
1. Religious and Community Leaders area a valuable resource and ally when addressing DFV issues within multicultural communities.
2. Religious and Community Leaders need information and support to make the right referrals, despite their good intentions.
3. Whilst there are challenges when working with and building a rapport with leaders, which takes time, the relationship can be mutually beneficial with leaders, providing insights into working more inclusively and effectively with multicultural communities.
Biography
Camilla has extensive experience working in community development and crime prevention through various roles at both a Local and State Government level. Camilla is passionate about, and has worked with diverse and often marginalised communities, to increase their access to and participation in government programs and services promoting increased quality of life and participation in a safe and secure community. Camilla leads coordination of the Department’s Multicultural Plan, and the strategy to work with multicultural communities affected by DFV. Through her work with Religious Leaders Camilla was a finalist in the Department's Building Strong Partnerships - 2020 Employee Awards.
