Standing Together: A Cross-Cultural Approach to Working with Victim/Survivors of Sexual Assault

Abstract

The Western Region Centre Against Sexual Assault (WestCASA) is located in a culturally rich and diverse Melbourne community. As a small agency, with limited resources, we wondered how we could respond to the often silent and unmet needs of victim/survivors of sexual assault from non-English speaking backgrounds (NESB) communities. The Cultural Equity Program (CEP), based on principles of respect and empowerment, strongly advocates a collaborative approach and also recognises the importance of identifying structural, organisational and individual barriers preventing NESB victim/survivors from accessing support and/or counselling. Vietnamese and Filipino workers were invited to be cultural consultants to WestCASA and met regularly during 1996/1997. These meetings enabled the exchange of cultural knowledge/expertise and an opportunity to discuss sensitive cultural issues. Together we also developed a culturally and linguistically respectful community education and training strategy. WestCASA also introduced initiatives for developing a more culturally sensitive practice. The paper presents the CEP as a model of best practice. The ideas and concepts are outlined which have guided us in the design of the developmental framework. We also reflect on our learning which has been rich and inspiring, and comment on the implications for Women's Health Policy.