Karen - domestic violence support worker

Details

Published on Monday, 08 March, 2010

Karen works in a Refuge for Women experiencing homelessness or who are escaping violence.

I am a single mother with 3 children, two of which still live at home. My oldest son is a policemen & I have 2 grandchildren.

I worked in the bank from leaving school until my last child was born then I became a volunteer school canteen supervisor for 4 years. Come to think of it – I have done a lot of volunteering. I was the local Squash club president for five years, I was made a life member of the Athleitics Club 10 years after I first volunteered. And I have been the Treasurer for the Ahtletics Club, the Scout Group, and now the Village Market group in my home town. I suppose I am good at keeping a tight budget!

I started community work in May 2003 as Admin Officer.

In 2004, I started Certificate IV in Community Welfare. I studied four hours per evening, two nights per week at TAFE. It took 2 years. At the same time I became a trainee Community Support & Access worker. When I finshed my certificate I started a Diploma, this was at night time too and took one year. I became a full time Communtiy Support & Access Worker.

I work in a  Crisis Refuge for women without children who are suffering from Dometsic Violence or Homelessness. I do case mangement and support women in crisis. Daily duties include case plans, case management, support, advocacy, counselling. I am on the on-call roster… working with people in crisis things… can change from minute to minute.

My work is rewarding. I see women, regaining control and moving on to lead empowered & informed lives.