Interpreting in a Domestic Violence

Setting

Immigrant Women’s Support Service - 24th February 2018

The role of interpreters in the provision of domestic and family violence support to women from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds is crucial to ensuring safety and effective communication during a time of distress and uncertainty.

On 24 February 2018, the Immigrant Women’s Support Service (IWSS), Australian Institute of Interpreters and Translators (AUSIT), and Translators and Interpreters Australia collaborated to host a workshop aiming to provide interpreters with up to date knowledge and resources to assist them when interpreting in domestic and family violence settings; and to provide information on identifying and managing potential vicarious trauma.Incorporating an address from the Hon Di Farmer (Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence) as well as other key presentations; the program for this free workshop included sessions on the following:

• Role of interpreters in helping voices to be heard

• Vicarious trauma• A facilitator-guided role play, panel

session and plenary discussion which aimed to provide an opportunity for interpreters and service providers to dialogue about their experiences of working with people affected by domestic and family violence in a range of settings

A total of 35 interpreters attended the workshop and they all received a Certificate of Attendance and 20 PD points. Of the 35 interpreters who participated, 26 returned evaluation forms at the end of the session.

The following report details participants’ valuable feedback for consideration in the development of any future workshops.

WorkshopEvaluation

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12%

3%

23 responses to“how long have you been interpreting?”[3 evaluators skipped this question]

The responses received indicate that the majority of the interpreters attending the workshop had many years of interpreting experience, ranging from 5 to 20 or more years.

Participants had experience interpreting in diverse settings and this demonstrates a wealth of knowledge and a high calibre of interpreters attending the workshop. The experience of interpreters working in medical settings was high, with 24% of participants citing it as one of their main areas of work, followed by legal interpreting at 12%. This is in contrast with only 4% of participants reporting interpreting in family law courts and 5% in civil courts. These trends may show that there is a more limited engagement of interpreters in court settings.

Area of work

• Medical

24%

• Legal

9%each

• Education

• Centrelink

7%each

• Immigration• Allied health• Counselling

5%

4%

3%

• Civil• Family• Criminal

• Children

YEARS =6experience20+

YEARS =1experience

between

15-20YEARS =4

experience

between

10-15YEARS =6

experience

between

5-10YEARS =6

experience

between

0-5

6%

• Court

• Settlement Services

• Other = 4%2

Session delivery

Overwhelmingly, the response from interpreters attending the workshop was positive. Participants’ feedback indicate that the session delivery was effective, that the content was relevant and useful, and that the workshop objectives were clearly explained. All interpreters who returned surveys identified that they had gained valuable knowledge about both best practice for working with survivors of domestic violence and of support services offered by IWSS. 24 interpreters agreed the hypothetical panel was useful and 26 responded positively to the inclusion of the self-reflective activity and the role-play. Participants also agreed that the knowledge they had gained from the workshop would assist them in their future practice.

Practical aspects

Participants highlighted that the program overall was of a high standard, the handouts were helpful, and that the venue supported the success of the program. All, but two participants rated the acoustics of the venue positively. Feedback suggests that it may be possible to improve on the visuals as 10 participants rated the visuals as ‘good’ rather than ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.

Building on current learning

Of the 26 participants who responded to the evaluation, 23 indicated they

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would like to attend a more advanced workshop on domestic violence. Similarly, 20 participants indicated that they would be interested in attending a workshop on sexual violence.

“What went well ?”

When asked what they liked most about the workshop, responses highlighted: the relevance, expertise, and professionalism of the speakers, the welcoming atmosphere, and small group environment.

Participants particularly noted the benefit of special guest the Hon Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. The variety of presentations was cited as useful and feedback noted in particular, the advantages of learning more about the perspectives and work of IWSS, Queensland Police Service, and the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service.

One participant stated that the role-play “…stimulated self-reflection about how to manage complex and confusing elements when interpreting”. Another participant found it helpful to listen to the panellists. One participant felt the workshop timeframe was well managed and another valued the opportunity for discussion.

Suggestions and improvements

Participants were also given the opportunity to provide feedback on what aspects of the workshop could be improved. Suggestions included: further opportunities for dialogue, particularly during the hypothetical panel, improved time management as well as minimising opportunities for participants to ask long questions that may not be representative of the majority.

Another participant proposed a separate meeting with agencies who regularly engage interpreters. Other suggestions included: “…more time on each topic, a longer workshop, more regular workshops or even a series of workshops”.

Several responses indicated that participants thought the workshop was excellent, informative, and that there was nothing they could fault.

Impact on future practice

Participants were asked to reflect on how the workshop may change their practice. Responses included: “…increased sensitivity (e.g. tone of voice and body language), empathy, and understanding of clients’ stories and experiences of domestic violence as well as improved knowledge of domestic violence, and best practice when working with survivors”.

Other responses indicated that knowledge gained from the workshop would increase professionalism and understanding of the role of the interpreter as well as enrich the participant’s knowledge of service providers such as IWSS.

One participant stated that they felt more equipped to be able to debrief and manage the potential issue of vicarious trauma, whilst others indicated that “…the workshop had given the impetus to undertake further learning about domestic violence and to be mindful of working within the Code of Ethics for interpreters”.

Session delivery

Overwhelmingly, the response from interpreters attending the workshop was positive. Participants’ feedback indicate that the session delivery was effective, that the content was relevant and useful, and that the workshop objectives were clearly explained. All interpreters who returned surveys identified that they had gained valuable knowledge about both best practice for working with survivors of domestic violence and of support services offered by IWSS. 24 interpreters agreed the hypothetical panel was useful and 26 responded positively to the inclusion of the self-reflective activity and the role-play. Participants also agreed that the knowledge they had gained from the workshop would assist them in their future practice.

Practical aspects

Participants highlighted that the program overall was of a high standard, the handouts were helpful, and that the venue supported the success of the program. All, but two participants rated the acoustics of the venue positively. Feedback suggests that it may be possible to improve on the visuals as 10 participants rated the visuals as ‘good’ rather than ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’.

Building on current learning

Of the 26 participants who responded to the evaluation, 23 indicated they

would like to attend a more advanced workshop on domestic violence. Similarly, 20 participants indicated that they would be interested in attending a workshop on sexual violence.

“What went well ?”

When asked what they liked most about the workshop, responses highlighted: the relevance, expertise, and professionalism of the speakers, the welcoming atmosphere, and small group environment.

Participants particularly noted the benefit of special guest the Hon Di Farmer, Minister for Child Safety, Youth and Women and Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence. The variety of presentations was cited as useful and feedback noted in particular, the advantages of learning more about the perspectives and work of IWSS, Queensland Police Service, and the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service.

One participant stated that the role-play “…stimulated self-reflection about how to manage complex and confusing elements when interpreting”. Another participant found it helpful to listen to the panellists. One participant felt the workshop timeframe was well managed and another valued the opportunity for discussion.

Suggestions and improvements

Participants were also given the opportunity to provide feedback on what aspects of the workshop could be improved. Suggestions included: further opportunities for dialogue, particularly during the hypothetical panel, improved time management as well as minimising opportunities for participants to ask long questions that may not be representative of the majority.

Another participant proposed a separate meeting with agencies who regularly engage interpreters. Other suggestions included: “…more time on each topic, a longer workshop, more regular workshops or even a series of workshops”.

Several responses indicated that participants thought the workshop was excellent, informative, and that there was nothing they could fault.

Impact on future practice

Participants were asked to reflect on how the workshop may change their practice. Responses included: “…increased sensitivity (e.g. tone of voice and body language), empathy, and understanding of clients’ stories and experiences of domestic violence as well as improved knowledge of domestic violence, and best practice when working with survivors”.

Other responses indicated that knowledge gained from the workshop would increase professionalism and understanding of the role of the interpreter as well as enrich the participant’s knowledge of service providers such as IWSS.

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One participant stated that they felt more equipped to be able to debrief and manage the potential issue of vicarious trauma, whilst others indicated that “…the workshop had given the impetus to undertake further learning about domestic violence and to be mindful of working within the Code of Ethics for interpreters”.

Future learning needs

Participants were asked what aspects of their work they felt they needed to learn more about in order to improve their practice. Responses ranged from practical aspects to increased knowledge for interpreting in specific settings:

• The terminology and language in a particular Translator and Interpreter (T&I) setting

• Briefing with background information about the case before interpreting

• Strategies for being able to work with D&FV victims

• To learn more about impartiality and engagement in D&FV situations

• Working with children (in a crisis situation)

• Interpreting in a Medical and/or Mental Health setting

• Legal aspects of both immigration and domestic violence

Topics of Interest

In addition to the majority of participants indicating that they would like to attend further workshops on DV and SA; they also noted the following topics as areas of interest: Legal/ Police settings, Medical/Health settings, Counselling/Mental health settings, Immigration, Children and Youth at risk.

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Legal +Police

Counselling +Mental Health

Children +Youthat risk

Proposed future workshops

Responses from participants (multiple responses were allowed) indicated that the majority of interpreters would like future workshops to be geared for an intermediate level. Additionally, the most popular format for future learning was a workshop/seminar style, followed by self study. The least preferred format was distance learning.

In conclusion, the feedback provided by participants demonstrates that this collaborative workshop exceeded expectations in assisting interpreters to build on their knowledge and expertise as well as promoting critical thinking and self-reflection.

Additionally, participants’ responses indicate that the workshop was enjoyable; and the majority expressed interest in participating in future workshops.

Domestic + Sexual

Violence

24HOURS

Medical +Health

Immigration

Acknowledgements

On behalf of the Immigrant Women’s Support Service I would like to express my deepest appreciation to Patricia Avila, who embarked with me in the journey of developing the content of the workshop to ensure its relevance and usefulness.

I would also like to thank Bruce Wells (RAILS), Jakki Poustie (QPS), and Cherie Donovan (Save The Children). These service providers generously provided their time, skills, and knowledge in planning and presenting their sessions with great professionalism.

Additionally, the workshop would not have been possible without the tremendous support of our colleagues who contributed to the planning and implementation of this workshop:

• Rona Zhang (AUSIT)• Danielle Shanahan, Senior Organiser

(Translators and Interpreters Australia)• Zhen Guan, (AUSIT Queensland PD

Coordinator) • Ingrid, Senior Caseworker (IWSS)• Suzie, Caseworker (IWSS)• Patricia Avila, Project Worker (IWSS)• Ranjika, Information and

Administration Worker (IWSS)• Ambyr and Maria, Project Workers

(IWSS)

We acknowledge the support from the Trade Labour Council for donating the workshop venue.

Finally, many thanks to Roza, Guan, Yugi, Rona, and Leisa who assisted with the logistics on the day; to Maria and Ambyr who collated the feedback and drafted this report; and tina@rtbitz graphic design. For further information about this workshop, please contactCecilia Barassi-Rubio, Director, Immigrant Women’s Support Service07) 3846 3490 or email cecilia.barassi@iwss.org.au

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Immigrant Women’s Support Service would like to acknowledge and thank our partners AUSIT, and Translators and Interpreters Australia, who joined us to develop this workshop.

IMMIGRANT WOMEN’S SUPPORT SERVICEDomestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services

The Immigrant Women’s Support Service is funded bythe Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women