Case worker connection a key strength
Gayle Zammit started as a case worker with NAAFLS in April. She’s part of a team of case workers who support family violence victim/survivors, and it’s this team that sets the work that NAAFLS does apart from other legal services in the NT.
“To properly support a person living in a volatile home environment, we need to look at the whole picture. Yes, legal support is important, but so is support with finances, housing, health, education and childcare for example. Our case workers are skilled in creating a connection with clients to get a picture of their real life situation and what they need to be safe” says CEO David Alexander.
Trust is the most important foundation
Gayle’s family connections in the Daly, her reputation as a ‘safe one’ and her deep understanding of the community social rules means she can confidently build trust with clients.
“People in remote communities have barriers and we have to build rapport and trust. If we don’t do that, they tend to disconnect really quickly. If you’ve been a familiar face in and around community, people tend to migrate to you, as they know that you can support them with help.
“At times it can take a few visits before I get a story to come out. People don’t talk about their situation; they hold back and only let you know what they think you should know. They begin building that relationship and feel you out before coming out of their comfort zone.
“Having Aboriginal case workers present at meetings with the lawyers can break down the barrier because clients are familiar with us, and we can communicate at a lower level to gain their confidence to talk and tell their side of their story. It is hard when a non-Aboriginal staff member approach Aboriginal people because they tend to be shy and not talk openly, they get frightened thinking they are in trouble.
“Having good relationships means better understanding that services are available in their community on a more regular basis. It also means they will approach us more often as word of mouth gets around that help and support has been given to others in the community in the past”.
Teaching about legal rights is vital for change
Gayle believes women in remote communities are stuck. “I lived in Wadeye for over eight years and in West Daly for over 35 years, and I believe remote community women have been hung out to dry. They have no one to go to and there is mistrust, confusion and lack of awareness.”
“Housing issues are very evident in communities with overcrowding, and this is huge contributor to domestic violence, health and wellbeing. The lack of infrastructure and community development isn’t keeping up with growing population.”
“There are people in community who have a lack of education, they have no numeracy or literacy skills, and can’t speak English to understand their legal rights. If we don’t inform them what their rights are, they don’t know.”
