We are grateful to have amazing Independent Domestic Violence Advocates in our Paragon Swindon service. And that’s no surprise. The very nature of the service means that the people who join us are empathic, caring and supportive. Each brings a unique strength to their role which helps the people they work with. We spoke with Charli, who is an IDVA in our PARAGON service in Swindon. Charli is studying British Sign Language so she can help those with hearing difficulties experience domestic abuse. Thanks for speaking with us, Charli!
Why I’m an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate
My name is Charli and I’m an IDVA based in Swindon. I’ve been with Paragon since January, but I worked as an IDVA for a number of years before this. I left briefly last year, but missed helping in domestic abuse so much that I came back at the earliest opportunity.
I think I have carried on working as an IDVA because I believe that no one should have to experience abuse. And I want to try and make things as painless as possible for those who have. That might be anything from listening to someone on the helpline to active intervention for them.
I have two daughters and I want them to be able to go into a world that is safe for women. A world where they can feel supported. As well as qualifying as an IDVA, I also completed my ISAC (Independent Stalking Advocacy Caseworker) qualification last year. This means I can offer specialist stalking support. I want to be able to support as many people as possible.
A typical IDVA’S week
Each morning begins with a cuppa and a glance through my emails to map out the day ahead. I check in with clients who have appointments to ensure they’re doing okay and still able to meet. I also review our system for any updates or messages, so I can follow up promptly.
My day is usually a mix of scheduled support sessions, by phone or in person. This is where I offer emotional support and explore whatever challenges my clients are facing. Some days include meetings with other professionals. They give me the opportunity to gather vital information and advocate on behalf of those I support.
Throughout the day, I also respond to calls on our helpline, providing immediate guidance and reassurance to anyone in need. No two days are the same, but each one is filled with meaningful interactions, problem-solving, and care.
British Sign Language (BSL) training
Deaf women at three times greater risk of domestic abuse*
When we talk about domestic abuse, the conversation often centres around cultural differences or immigration-related vulnerabilities. But there are other groups—equally at risk—who remain significantly underrepresented in service design and outreach. People with learning disabilities, neurodivergent individuals, and those with sensory impairments, such as deafness, face distinct barriers that are rarely addressed with the nuance they deserve.
British Sign Language (BSL), the recognised language of the UK’s Deaf community, is not routinely taught or used outside specialist settings. This means that someone who is deaf is expected to be able to lipread or communicate with hearing people on “hearing” term. I feel this is isolating and is a huge barrier to them reporting and seeking help. It’s an isolating reality, and one that can deter someone from seeking help or even recognising abuse.
Using BSL means that we can cross that barrier easily and provide support to more people. I would love, eventually, to be proficient enough, that we could offer a drop-in or a clinic type service. People who use BSL to communicate could come to us to ask questions and seek support if they need to.
Local help in Swindon
There are some services in Swindon that offer support for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. These are mostly community-based services that focus on social needs but they are able to support and signpost to other support services.
Resources:
- The Swindon and North Wilts Deaf Children’s Society supports mainly children but also the families of deaf children.
- Swindon Lip Reading Group teaches exercises, like finger spelling and lipreading, to those who are at risk of becoming, or are already, isolated due to hearing loss.
- Hearing Support Team in Swindon Borough Council support children and young people up to the age of 25.
- Sign Health offers specialist support. They have IDVAs and Navigators who communicate in BSL, that can offer support to people who are deaf or hard of hearing. They can offer face-to-face or remote sessions across the South of England. In some areas, they also offer adapted groups for self-esteem building and recovery for DA survivors.
Reach out
We know that even the first step of admitting that you need help can be scary. I would say, if you can, reach out.
It might be that someone just needs to talk through things with someone who has a completely unbiased view. We will always do our best to find out what someone needs and get the right support in place for them. Even if it doesn’t come from our team at Paragon.
Support is such a varied and complex spectrum and everyone’s needs will be different. We are here to help and won’t judge anyone or treat anyone differently because of need. I hope that with the continuing work we are doing to try and reach marginalised communities we can help even more people to feel supported in the future.
