CULTURAL MEDIATION An inclusive solution to help reduce the cultural and language barriers experienced by survivors of trafficking - Criminal ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
CULTURAL MEDIATION An inclusive solution to help reduce the cultural and language barriers experienced by survivors of trafficking Authors: Blodina Rakovica & Dr. Sara Ianovitz
Published by ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Hibiscus Initiatives Working with migrant women, with whom English
Resource for London, is not their first language; we noticed that they
356 Holloway Road, London, were confronted with additional barriers when
N7 6PA, United Kingdom accessing services. We, therefore, developed a
pilot project to identify ways we can support
hibiscusinitiatives.org.uk survivors of trafficking and gender-based violence.
We identified that the application of cultural
First published 2021 mediation has been used in Europe as a way to
© Hibiscus Initiatives help migrants navigate complex systems.
We explored how cultural mediation is a more
Design: Prospectus inclusive approach to help reduce cultural and
language barriers experienced by migrants.
This publication is copyright,
but may be reproduced by
As an organisation, we want to ensure that
any method without fee or
women’s voices are being heard. This report is
prior permission for teaching
dedicated to the women that were telling us
purposes, but not for resale.
about the difficulties they faced due to language
For copying in any other
barriers and felt that they were silenced.
circumstances, prior written
In addition, a huge thank you to the
permission must be obtained
Bell Foundation for funding this project and for
from the publisher, and a fee
their commitment to breaking down the language
may be payable.
barriers for migrants.
The research was conducted, and report written,
by Hibiscus Project Worker — Blodina Rakovica and
Dr Sara Ianovitz — an independent consultant for
this project. Additional thanks go to Hibiscus staff,
Marchu Girma, who managed the project, and
Chloé Geoghegan who edited and managed the
production of the report, and Keira Johnson and
Katrina Struthers who assisted with editing and
proofreading the report.
Most importantly, Hibiscus would like to thank
the women who shared their stories and who
participated in this research. Hibiscus would not
have been able to provide this report without.
The names of the women portrayed in the case
studies have been changed to protect identities.
1 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSCONTENTS
Introduction 3
Methodology 4
Understanding and Being Understood 6
Cultural Mediation in Europe 8
Rita’s Story 10
The Survivor-Centred Approach 12
Alma’s Story 15
Elira’s Story 16
Findings 19
Recommendations 20
Next Steps 21
Bibliography 22
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 12 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUS
INTRODUCTION
Hibiscus Initiatives (Hibiscus) has been delivering We work through three intervention strategies,
high-impact support and advocacy services to we provide:
women at the intersection of the criminal justice
and immigration systems for 35 years. Hibiscus ractical Support: So women can navigate
P
has distinct expertise in working with Black and through the systems that are affecting them.
minoritised women in prison, in the community,
and in immigration removal centres, the latter ellbeing Support: Ensuring women can live
W
where Hibiscus also works with male detainees. healthy and fulfilling lives and can recover from
Hibiscus’ current work falls into these main trauma.
areas: community resettlement; international
resettlement; and prisons. Hibiscus’ anti-trafficking mpowerment and Agency interventions:
E
work spans all three of these areas of work. Partnering with women to create platforms
where women can speak out about their
Hibiscus’ Women’s Centre is a safe, women-only experiences to influence change.
space, where Black and minoritised women
with experiences of the criminal justice system, Most of the women we support are survivors of
immigration detention, or human trafficking, can trafficking. Our trauma informed and holistic
access specialist casework support and information, approach ensures they have access to relevant
learn new skills or obtain psychosocial support, services and that they feel supported through their
both in groups and during one-to-one sessions. journey towards recovery. Giving women a sense
The need for this report stemmed from the of belonging after the immense trauma they have
everyday experiences of Hibiscus’ practitioners, suffered is vital for survivors. In addition, the women
working with women who access Hibiscus’ we work with are also dealing with multiple and
Women’s Centre. Funding for this research was complex systems where language and cultural
awarded by The Bell Foundation. barriers prevent them from being understood
and getting the help and support they need.
In our work supporting women navigate complex
systems, we have been exploring a more inclusive
and appropriate solution to help reduce the
cultural and language barriers experienced by
migrants, through cultural mediation.
By cultural mediation, we refer to “any interpreter
mediation that addresses the cultural content
of the message, the cultural context or cultural
concerns, typically with the intention of addressing
an apparent cultural barrier that impedes
understanding”.1
1
Breaking Silence, Interpreting for Victim Services, p. 227.
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 3METHODOLOGY
Currently, 56%2 of the clients we support at our This report has four parts:
Women’s Centre are Albanian women who have
been trafficked. As we have identified that a large Part One: Identifies the differences between
percentage of our referrals are Albanian nationals interpretation and cultural mediation, with a
with trafficking concerns, we decided that, as part special focus on survivors of gender-based violence
of our programme approach, we would focus on (GBV) facing language and system barriers;
the language and cultural issues that survivors of
trafficking face, particularly those from Albania. Part Two: Sketches a map of cultural mediation
around Europe, to trace fields of application
From July 2020 to January 2021, a Hibiscus Project and the way cultural mediation is used in some
Worker applied cultural mediation techniques European countries;
to their casework with 16 Albanian women in
the community to help them navigate through art Three: Introduces the survivor-centred
P
the systems they were in contact with and to approach as a methodology to empower GBV
support them in their recovery journey. These survivors, in line with the principles of cultural
women faced varying levels of language difficulties mediation.
communicating in English, in particular in
understanding the technical English involved in art Four: Submits some finding and
P
their legal cases. This report examines the concept recommendations to be followed, in order to
and the impact of cultural mediation, using case facilitate a better and more harmonious integration
studies from these clients to illustrate its use as a of migrant women and GBV survivors within
tool to bridge the gap between the differences of society.
culture and understanding.
Throughout this report we have included case
The research goal has been to examine and analyse studies from Hibiscus’ clients, which confirms
cultural mediation and its use in an organisation the importance of cultural mediation as a tool
such as Hibiscus, which supports women for for working with marginalised and traumatised
whom cultures, as well as language factors, inhibit migrant communities.
effective integration into British society. We aimed
to identify how important and relevant this specific As survivors of GBV, we found the women we
area of work is and could be with organisations worked with required more than just an interpreter.
supporting clients from very diverse cultures. We found that by using a survivor-centred
approach3 we can do more than just help them
access services. Rather, we provided a fundamental
tool and an empowering methodology to help
women heal, gain independence, and re-establish
power and control over their lives.
2
Data extracted from Hibiscus’ Community Database on 19.02.2021 — 51 out of 96.
3
Interagency Gender-Based Violence Case Management Guidelines, 2017, p. 18.
4 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSOVERVIEW OF CLIENTS CHILDREN
16
Albanian women supported*
13
were mothers
*July 2020–January 2021 3
had no children
AGE IMMIGRATION STATUS
+38A62 38%
were refugees
+50A50 50%
had asylum claims pending
10
+33A67
TRAFFICKING CLAIMS
33%
were granted status during
this period
4
+94A6 94%
were survivors of trafficking
1
‹25
years
25–30
years
30–35
years
1
>35
years
+73A27 73%
received a positive conclusive
grounds decision, official
recognition from the NRM of their
status as victims of trafficking
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 5UNDERSTANDING AND
BEING UNDERSTOOD
The women we support are faced with We have identified that interpretation alone does
day-to-day barriers, one of which is language. not suffice to reach comprehensive, full and clear
understanding. Interpretation alone does not
Language is the main tool for accessing lead to understanding and being understood.
essentials needs, and the services and assistance In interpretation, the element of culture is often
needed to work towards recovery. Language disregarded.
provides communication and understanding.
Communication is aid and words build trust.4 Culture is an important factor when working
The loss of communication, loss of critical with victims of crime, survivors of trafficking
information and misinformation could lead to and especially those who have faced GBV.
unnecessary suffering or even loss of life.5
GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE AS A BARRIER
Many of the women we work with require TO BEING UNDERSTOOD
language support, and this support is usually GBV takes many forms. It includes rape, sexual
provided through interpretation services, while exploitation, sexual assault and abuse, forced
women navigate through the criminal justice sex and other types of sexual violence, domestic
system or the immigration system. The recent violence, trafficking of women and girls, forced
Government response to the 2020 Consultation: prostitution, sexual harassment and discrimination,
‘Improving the Victims’ Code’, shows that and denial of rights. It encompasses forms of
understanding and being understood is primary violence that are specific to cultures and societies,
for victims of crime. such as female genital mutilation and forced
marriage. It also includes the appropriation
“The impact of being a victim of crime when of money, labour and other resources, denial
you have uncertain immigration status and of inheritance and property rights, denial of
when English is not your first language was education, and abandonment.7
clearly set out in a number of responses.
In amending the structure of the Code, we took Many women Hibiscus supports are survivors
the decision to make the first right a right of GBV. This means that they require tailored
to be able to understand and to be understood, support, specifically to be treated with sensitivity
in recognition of the challenges faced by many and empathy. Within case management, clients
victims who may have difficulty. We have also are required to communicate about difficult
clearly stated in the introduction of the Code experiences, which can be challenging to do
that victims are ‘entitled to services regardless effectively when using a language in which they
of their resident status’. We recognise the are not fluent.8
importance of this particular issue, and plan to
reinforce these commitments within practitioner Furthermore, GBV itself is perceived in different
guidance, which will ensure that those who have ways from culture to culture. In Hibiscus’
responsibilities to deliver rights under the Code experience some women never reported episodes
are clear about their obligations.” 6 of GBV because they did not consider the abuse
they experienced to be crimes. It is not only a
cultural misperception of what is considered
GBV, but also a different interpretation of the
criminalisation of some misbehaviours.
4
Translation Without Borders, Field Guide to Humanitarian Interpreting & Cultural Mediation, 11 December 2017.
5
Translation Without Borders, Field Guide to Humanitarian Interpreting & Cultural Mediation, 11 December 2017.
6
The Government Response to the 2020 Consultation: ‘Improving the Victims’ Code’, November 2020, p.14.
7
International Rescue Committee, Core Concepts in GBV, December 2008.
8
UNICEF Helpdesk, Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies, February 2018.
6 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSINTERPRETER VS CULTURAL MEDIATOR Cultural mediators will also respond to
The idea of cultural mediation is to create a space inflammatory or harmful language, such as racism
where women can use their own words and or abuse, by highlighting its offensiveness with the
languages to express what they are going through. speaker and checking that is what they wanted to
In this context, the cultural mediator is asked to be say before interpreting it.15 They can also give advice
much more than an interpreter, rather an expert to both parties regarding appropriate cultural
at finding equivalences between languages.9 In behaviours and provide additional support such
fact, an interpreter translates verbal communication as assisting with completing forms.16
between two languages. An interpreter may provide
an oral translation of a written document, i.e. sight Overall, one of the main purposes of cultural
interpretation, under exceptional circumstance. mediation is to ensure integration in the host
Instead, a cultural mediator facilitates mutual society, this is crucial as it acts as a bridge between
understanding between a person or a group of institutions and migrants.17 This further contributes
people (e.g. the migrant/refugee population and a to building the local intercultural management
caregiver such as a doctor) by providing two-way policy.18 Cultural mediators promote integration
verbal translation (interpreting) and helping them by aiding migrants’ entry into a new community,
overcome cultural barriers.10 an environment, language, and cultural norms,
conventions and practices completely different
It is of utmost importance that we distinguish to what they know.19 In Hibiscus’ context,
the differences between interpreter and cultural the women we work with have suffered immense
mediator. trauma in their life, from their country of origin
to their journey to the UK — their life has already
The aim of the interpreter is to passively convey the been difficult and chaotic and they will face many
messages from one language to another; they are obstacles and difficulties when confronted with
not responsible for the content of communication the immigration process and/or criminal justice
between two parties.11 The interpreter may be fully system.20
capable of successfully conveying the meaning of
the message whereby they could bridge language We can overcome these cultural barriers or
differences, yet they may not be able to fully obstacles by introducing cultural mediation to fill
understand and successfully convey the needs of the in the gap of understanding between institutions
involved parties resulting from cultural, religious and and migrant women. Cultural mediation ensures
other social reasons,12 in order to establish mutual women’s voices can be heard. It enables women
understanding in light of the context. from social or cultural groups not to live in isolation,
withdrawn, unrecognised by the rest of the
The difference lies within the language structure population, ignored or rejected.21 This is crucial as
and not necessarily the inner meaning of the achieving autonomy and independence are key
message.13 The cultural mediator is a person who features in the recovery of survivors of trafficking.
‘shapes’ the exchanges between two or more
cultures and social systems for the benefit of those
cultures and is consistent with their respective
value systems.14
9
Giordano, C (2008) Practices of Translation and the Making of Migrant Subjectivities in Contemporary Italy, McGill University, American Ethnologist, Vol. 35, No.4, pp. 588–606, p. 596.
10
UNICEF Helpdesk, Gender-Based Violence in Emergencies, February 2018.
11
Wang, C. Interpreters = Cultural Mediators?, TranslatoLogica: a Journal of Translation, Language, and Literature, 1 (2017), p. 93–114, University of Westminster, UK.
12
Research Report on Intercultural Mediation for Immigrants in Europe — Intellectual Output No 1, Erasmus+ TIME, 2015, 2016.
13
Research Report on Intercultural Mediation for Immigrants in Europe — Intellectual Output No 1, Erasmus+ TIME, 2015, 2016.
14
Stephen Bochner (1981, p.3), cited in Archibald & Garzone (2014, p. 8–9): (Wang, C University of Westminster, the United Kingdom Interpreters = Cultural Mediators?).
15
Translation Without Borders, Field Guide to humanitarian Interpreting & Cultural Mediation, 11 December 2017.
16
Translation Without Borders, Field Guide to humanitarian Interpreting & Cultural Mediation, 11 December 2017.
17
Research Report on Intercultural Mediation for Immigrants in Europe — Intellectual Output No 1, Erasmus+ TIME, 2015, 2016.
18
Research Report on Intercultural Mediation for Immigrants in Europe — Intellectual Output No 1, Erasmus+ TIME, 2015, 2016.
19
Coste & Cavalli (2015) point out, Linguistic and Cultural Mediation (coe.int)).
20
Coste & Cavalli (2015) point out, Linguistic and Cultural Mediation (coe.int)).
21
Research Report on Intercultural Mediation for Immigrants in Europe — Intellectual Output No 1, Erasmus+ TIME, 2015, 2016.
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 7CULTURAL MEDIATION IN EUROPE
Cultural Mediation is a concept which has Cultural mediation is used in a variety of different
developed in Europe since the end of the 1980s to services. The main areas in which cultural
promote better access for migrant users of health mediation is used are in healthcare, social services,
services, by enabling better interaction between within the community, educational settings, public
medical staff and patients, regarding personal administration (including the police), the justice
wellbeing, illness, sexuality, birth, death etc.22 system, and in national asylum support services.
During this time, integration policies were The following examples will show how cultural
proven to be very important to national and local mediation is used in other countries and its
community life for the natives and migrants,23 benefits:
especially due to the complexity of issues causing
people to migrate from their countries, which Belgium: Cultural mediation is used in healthcare
led to an increase in migration flow in Europe. specifically in hospitals.30 The aim is to reduce
Integration policies facilitated the establishment of negative consequences of language barriers,
good communication and mutual understanding socio-cultural differences and tensions between
between different cultures, promoted awareness, ethnic groups in healthcare settings.31 The mediator
and sensitised all parties involved, which promoted has a central position to facilitate access to
access to public services and enhance services hospitals for migrant and international patients,
provided.24 whilst explaining to the patient the functioning of
the health care system in Belgium and, explaining
Essentially this is what led to further development to the caregiver how to approach the patient,
of the concept and role of cultural mediation taking cultural background into account.32 This is
within Europe. Countries around Europe refer to an example of how this role goes further beyond
the role of a cultural mediator in different ways, just linguistic interpreting.33
as: integration facilitators or linguistic mediators
(Germany),25 intercultural mediators (Belgium, France: Interpreters in the social sector are
Greece, Portugal, Spain, and Switzerland),26 linguistic and cultural intermediaries i.e. cultural
cultural/community interpreter (Austria),27 mediators. Other than linguistic translation, they
cultural mediators or interpreters in the social provide information, explanations, agreement with
sector (France),28 and cultural mediator/linguistic parties, mitigate tensions, motivate, and assist the
mediator (Italy).29 The use of the term cultural decision-making process.34 The idea behind this
mediation may differ throughout Europe, however, in the social sector is to create social links and to
they all share the same idea and principle with manage the day-to-day conflicts in the suburbs or
regards to bridging the gaps between the culture a specific area in the city (such as those with high
and language. For the purpose of this report, level of social housing).35
to avoid any confusion we will continue to use the
term cultural mediation throughout.
22
artarci, M. (2016). Intercultural Mediation as a Strategy to Facilitate Relations between the School and Immigrant Families. Revista Electronica Interuniversitaria de Formacion
C
del Profesorado, 19(1), 127-140, p. 129.
23
Research Report on Intercultural Mediation for Immigrants in Europe — Intellectual Output No 1, Erasmus+ TIME, 2015, 2016, p. 5.
24
Ibid.
25
Ibid., p.18.
26
Ibid., p. 27–28.
27
Ibid., p.27.
28
Ibid.
29
Ibid.
30
Ibid., p. 25.
Ibid., p. 28.
31
32
Ibid.
33
Ibid.
34
Ibid., p. 28.
35
2011. Standing Committee 'The Multilevel Governance Of Migration And Integration Policy'. [online] IMISCOE 8th Annual Conference Warsaw. Available at: https://www.iriv.net/
pdf/2011-Imiscoe-%20Warsaw.pdf, p. 11–12.
8 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSGreece: Cultural mediation, also known as Italy: Cultural mediators have been placed
community interpreting, is offered within at the forefront of the immigrant offices of
public services to ensure that migrants can enjoy local bodies, thus enabling these emergency
their right to access health and legal services of the accommodation centres, and local facilities
hosting country.36 It is usually applied in situations engaged in front-office work with migrants to
where migrants need to be supported with health, become more operative.41 Cultural mediators have
law, housing and social affairs. It is offered in become key actors in fostering social integration
public offices where migrants come to complete by organising encounters with Italian society and
various bureaucratic procedures regarding their facilitating access to the services network through
documents, in courts, police stations, or other state ‘comprehensive receptivity’.42 Cultural mediation
structures.37 has been also used in rehabilitation programmes
for survivors of trafficking, to be able to understand
Portugal: Cultural mediation is used in the large context of their lives.43
public services and education. It was established
that the use of socio-cultural mediators in schools Further, cultural mediation has also been adopted
was perceived as a positive intervention in the in schools to develop links and promote effective
reinforcement of the relationship between families relationships between people from different
and schools, enabling intercultural dialogue and cultures.44 This has addressed the importance of
educational success, which led to the decrease of the principle of migrant inclusion, as well as the
early dropout rates.38 overall rethinking of education for all (not only
natives) in the hope that these intercultural skills
Sweden: In a study conducted, which was aimed demonstrate that it is necessary to form proper
at strengthening the provision of healthcare relationship with others and that understanding
to Somalian and Ethiopian migrant women cultural differences is essential for people to be
to address claims that migrant women were able to act as informed citizens.45
not receiving the same quality of healthcare as
their Swedish counterparts.39 This was due to Studies from the Erasmus+ TIME report shows
the structural discrimination in the healthcare that migrants in almost every country face similar
system, a lack of communication with the health problem; lack of work, insufficient access to
staff, and cultural differences. With the presence healthcare and legal issues, problems referring
of a cultural mediator, they were able to provide to the lack of language proficiency, bureaucracy
information and communication between the barriers (contact with public institutions) and
migrant women and the staff. This created better adapting to social norms of the host country and
communication between midwives and mothers finding their way in a society of the host country.46
and better interaction in the delivery room. It led
to the reduction in the use of painkillers during However, with the expansion of cultural mediation,
pregnancy, increased patient confidence in the we can promote and create a smooth transition
Swedish healthcare system, and created better and integration process into host societies by
understanding by healthcare staff of migrant overcoming these cultural and language barriers.
mothers’ needs.40
36
Research Report on Intercultural Mediation for Immigrants in Europe — Intellectual Output No 1, Erasmus+ TIME, 2015, 2016, p 8.
37
Ibid., p 32.
38
2016. Cultural Mediation and volunteering to assist refugee arrivals, Discussion paper Milan 23–26 November 2016.
39
Ibid.
40
Ibid.
2011. Standing Committee 'The Multilevel Governance Of Migration And Integration Policy'. [online] IMISCOE 8th Annual Conference Warsaw.
41
Available at: https://www.iriv.net/pdf/2011-Imiscoe-%20Warsaw.pdf p. 12.
42
Ibid.
43
Giordano, C (2008) Practices of translation and the making of migrant subjectivities in contemporary Italy, McGill University, American Ethnologist, Vol. 35, No.4, pp. 588–606;
p. 589.
44
Catarci, M (2016) Intercultural mediation as a strategy to facilitate relations between School and Immigrant families. Revista Electronica Interuniversitaria de Formacion del
Profesorado, 19(1), 127–140: p 128.
45
Ibid., p. 131.
46
Research Report on Intercultural Mediation for Immigrants in Europe — Intellectual Output No 1, Erasmus+ TIME, 2015,2016, pp. 11–12.
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 9RITA'S STORY
“I’m 31-years-old and I have never known “I have accepted that my life has ended,
happiness, that’s it. If someone were to all I want to do now is focus on my
ask me about one day that I was happy… children. All I want is my children to
I could not say. Even from my childhood, know happiness, I don’t want them
I was born and raised in poverty, there to have the life I had or feel left out
was always the struggle. I cannot because they missed out. I know I’m in
remember anything good even from a difficult situation, but I know they are
my childhood”. still young, but I hope that someday I
can offer them a good life… something
Rita* is 31, she is a trafficking survivor and I never had. In the meantime, I will
a mother of two children. She was only continue to wait, keep tight of my phone
25 when she left her home country, where and wait for it to ring”.
she was raised in poverty hoping for a
better life. During this period Rita was referred to
Hibiscus and was allocated a Project
After all these years Rita finds herself like Worker who spoke and understood the
many other women in the asylum process, same language as Rita. Rita created a
waiting. Waiting for the kind of stability good relationship with the Project Worker
in life she told us she dreamed of having. almost instantly. She opened up and
Seven years have passed and despite shared that she was frustrated because
Rita’s experiences she continues to face she expected her solicitors and the Home
many difficulties in the UK. Office to have known about her trafficking
experience and to understand why it was
HOUSING ISSUES difficult for her to live with other men.
Rita’s relationship with her partner in the Her inability to establish safety in the new
UK broke down. Living in the same place accommodation was of great concern.
with her ex-partner caused a lot of tension
and stress, which was bringing back As her solicitor had already assisted Rita
thoughts and feelings from her trafficking in moving out of the house she was
experience. For the benefit of herself and living in with her ex-partner, and despite
children, she asked her solicitor to request there being an interpreter, she found it
the Home Office that she be moved to a difficult to express herself regarding her
more suitable accommodation. new housing issues. Rita was reluctant to
express to the full extent the issues she
Rita and her children were eventually faced in the accommodation because she
moved to new accommodation. However, did not want to cause any problems with
this house was inhabited by men; she the other residents or the Home Office.
did not feel safe here and it was highly Rita felt afraid to complain about her own
unsuitable for Rita and her children. safety. She described an incident where
one of the male residents came out of
the bathroom with just a towel wrapped
around his waist, and her three-year-old
daughter witnessed this. This was really
tough for Rita; she doesn’t want her
children to be exposed to this behaviour.
*Name changed to protect identity
10 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUS“I don’t want to complain, I don’t want NOT UNDERSTANDING THE
to cause problems in the house, I have LEGAL LANGUAGE
my children to think about… I do not Furthermore, Rita greatly benefitted from
feel safe. I’m telling you because I feel cultural mediation when it came to the
comfortable telling you, but I don’t want complexity of the technical language
to cause problems”. used in her legal matters. Although,
these matters were explained to her via
Rita’s Project Worker listened carefully an interpreter, she still requested these
to her complaints and informed Rita documents to be sent to her Project
that she is the one who must decide to Worker at Hibiscus as she trusted her
take forward the complaint however, that she would explain to her in simple
it’s important the solicitors are aware of language.
the concerns. Rita decided to speak to
her solicitor and explain the issues with This is an example of how the Hibiscus
the accommodation and the fear for her worker culturally mediated between
safety. The solicitor heard Rita’s concerns the legal technical issues that were
and was able to constructively advise on communicated to Rita in English to
how to proceed. simple concepts in Albanian, which Rita
could easily understand. It shows that Rita
Without explicitly stating all the details, considers the Project Worker as supportive
the solicitor highlighted in the complaint and as a reliable source of information.
letter to the Home Office that Rita was
afraid to complain, as she feared for “I asked her if she could send you the
her safety in the house with other men documents because I don’t understand
coming and going. much legal language… I thought you
would be able to explain it to me”.
Shortly after, the Home Office confirmed
that the client would be moved to a Rita was more open with the project
more suitable accommodation for worker, who shared the same language
women and children only. and culture, than the solicitor and
interpreter.
Listening to Rita, her Project Worker
was able to identify her main concerns.
Moreover, the Project Worker acted as a
cultural mediator by explaining to Rita
that she is entitled to give instructions to
her solicitor. Through cultural mediation,
Hibiscus enabled Rita to feel empowered
by recognising that she has control over
her personal legal matters. In this context,
it is fundamental that clients are aware
that they have autonomy over their cases.
Speaking up is extremely difficult for a
survivor of trafficking, yet it can be so
impactful once they do.
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 11THE SURVIVOR-CENTRED APPROACH
Women who have suffered GBV face tremendous Stage 1: A reasonable ground decision which
physical, emotional and social consequences. establishes whether someone is a potential victim
Women who experienced GBV are often defined of trafficking.
as survivors.47 Sexual assaults and the exposure to
violence can lead to trauma. Trauma is defined as Stage 2: A conclusive grounds decision which
a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that establishes whether there is sufficient evidence to
involves severe stressors and often involves a loss or confirm that this person is a victim of trafficking.
a major change. It affects every aspect of a person’s
functioning, stealing from the survivor a sense of Once survivors receive a positive reasonable
control, connection, and meaning in the world.48 grounds decision from the NRM, confirming that
there is evidence that their claim of being trafficked
Hibiscus identified the possibility of using cultural is valid, they are entitled to a minimum of 45 days
mediation as a useful tool when working with of support in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
survivors of GBV. Survivors often face a sense of This is known as reflection and recovery period;
deep loneliness related to the trauma they suffered. a period in which victims start their recovery from
In order to recover from their trauma, to restore their traumatic experiences whilst they await their
themselves and to heal, they need to be able to conclusive grounds decision. Nonetheless, there
fully communicate their experiences of harm with have been many occasions where women are still
those with the power to support them in their waiting for a conclusive ground decision long after
recovery journey and those who can help them the intended 45 days, sometimes they wait for a
obtain justice. conclusive grounds decision for years.51 During this
time, migrant trafficking survivors (who are often
Survivors of trafficking are required to go through claiming asylum whilst going through the NRM)
procedural steps to access the support they are often face injustices and inequalities. They are
entitled to receive. In the UK, once identified as rarely provided a place in the safe houses which
a potential victim of trafficking, survivors enter a they are entitled to access. Instead, asylum-seeking
processed called the National Referral Mechanism trafficking survivors are often housed in unsuitable
(NRM).49 The majority of victims identified through and unsafe asylum accommodation, contrary to
the NRM are not British or European Union their entitlement, which may impact their recovery,
nationals.50 In order to establish whether a person and which places these women at risk of further
is a victim of trafficking two decision are made traumatisation and of re-exploitation.52
by the Single Competent Authority (SCA),
which operates as part of the Home Office. Evidence shows that 95% of women in the NRM
are migrant,53 many of whom will face language
and cultural barriers in the way of their access to
justice. During the reflection and recovery period
women are also entitled to other support in
addition to safe housing.54 Therefore, it is important
for cultural mediation to be present in such
settings to help survivors navigate the system
and the entitlements which are available to them
and to provide a tool to help survivors through this
tough period of recovery.
47
Interagency Gender-Based Violence Case Management Guidelines, 2017, p.7.
48
Interagency Gender-Based Violence Case Management Guidelines, 2017, p. 19.
49
The National referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support.
For more info:, https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/human-trafficking-victims-referral-and-assessment-forms/guidance-on-the-national-referral-mechanism-for-
potential-adult-victims-of-modern-slavery-england-and-wales.
50
Hibiscus Initiatives, Closed Doors; Inequalities and Injustices in Appropriate and Secure Housing Provision for Female Victims of Trafficking who are Seeking Asylum, 2020.
Ibid., p10.
51
52
Ibid., p9.
53
Hibiscus Initiatives, Closed Doors; Inequalities and Injustices in Appropriate and Secure Housing Provision for Female Victims of Trafficking who are Seeking Asylum, 2020, p.15.
54
Salvation Army Modern Slavery Service User Leaflet.
12 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSMigrant women who are also GBV survivors,
WHY USE A SURVIVOR-CENTRED
such as the women Hibiscus works with, face
APPROACH?
multiple challenge, including language and system
The survivor-centred approach follows some
barriers. In this specific situation, women usually
fundamental principles, which guarantee
cannot rely on a caring family nor a comfort zone,
GBV survivors’ safety, confidentiality, dignity,
and that they are exposed to the risk of a
self-determination and non-discrimination.56
re-traumatisation without the application of
cultural mediation in their interactions with actors
A survivor-centred approach for GBV
and systems. Ignoring a cultural misunderstanding,
victims validates the person’s experience;
in fact, might lead to danger (for example,
it emphasises the importance of
in safety planning), might cause a medical mistake,
communicating to the survivor that they
or may even have a detrimental impact on a legal
are trustworthy, and nobody will judge their
outcome, such as non-disclosure for a protection
experience or decision about what to do.
claim. In addition, misunderstandings related to
It puts the individual at the centre of the
language can frustrate both the service provider
helping process and aims to empower the
and the client, damaging the relationship with the
person. It recognises that survivors have
provider.55 Therefore, to avoid these possible risks,
existing ways of coping and problem solving.
cultural mediation could be the right tool to offer,
The survivor-based approach helps to build
as it is designed to overcome language barriers and
and recognise people’s inherent resilience.
avoid miscommunication.
To create a supportive environment in
We define cultural mediation as bridging the
which each survivors’ rights are respected
gap between differences and in understanding.
and in which the person is treated with
This requires understanding survivors’ lived
dignity and respect we need a tool like
experiences by knowing and respecting their
cultural mediation. We can incorporate the
culture. It is about survivors being supported to
survivor-centred approach into cultural
use their voice, which empowers them to
mediation because it promotes the idea of
re-establish power over their lives.
autonomy, understanding and of survivors
being fully in charge of decisions.
In addition, the purpose of cultural mediation
is to help build trust between survivors and
institutions which they fear. Through cultural
mediation, we aim to set quality standards and
compassionate care for survivors of trafficking.
Bancroft, Allen, Green, Feuerle, Breaking Silence, Interpreting for Victim Services, A Training Manual, p. 255.
55
56
Interagency Gender-Based Violence Case Management Guidelines, 2017, p. 18.
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 13THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SURVIVORS OF GBV
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many Providing support over the phone for survivors
people around the world. One of the direct has proven to be extremely difficult, especially
impacts of the pandemic has been the for those who struggled adapting to technology.
intensification of gender-based violence during Owing to the lack of face-to face contact,
this time.57 In the UK, domestic abuse charities women found it difficult to navigate the system,
have reported a surge in calls to helplines since because no one was physically there to show
the first lockdown.58 Abuse has skyrocketed as them how things worked. This was exceptionally
survivors have been more isolated and their difficult explaining over the phone, however,
access to support restricted. we managed to create a step by step system,
ensuring women could follow instructions
The migrant women Hibiscus works with, who throughout.
require language support, faced this additional
barrier during this time. One of the women we These women continuously face a sense of
supported, expressed deep frustration about not loneliness, Hibiscus is a safe place for women
being able to help her son with his schoolwork to combat their struggles. Therefore, it has
due to language barriers, since home-schooling had a huge negative impact on them during
was introduced. Others have found it difficult the outbreak of the pandemic. When restrictions
to access accurate public health information were eased, we were able to meet a limited
and so have been confused about the different number of women and provide face-to-face
rules and restrictions and about the best ways support which made a huge difference on
to protect themselves and their families. women’s wellbeing.
Some women have expressed vaccine hesitancy.
Hibiscus has supported these women by “I truly feel different... I feel so much better”.
signposting them to the Government and
NHS coronavirus webpages.
UN Women, The Shadow Pandemic: Violence against Women During COVID-19
57
https://www.unwomen.org/en/news/in-focus/in-focus-gender-equality-in-covid-19-response/violence-against-women-during-covid-19.
58
https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/15/domestic-abuse-killings-more-than-double-amid-covid-19-lockdown.
14 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSALMA'S STORY
“He just didn’t understand”. “I didn’t want to offend anyone, I just
wanted to let them know that a
Alma* is 33-years-old and is a survivor woman from an organisation that
and mother of two. Prior to coming to speaks Albanian has offered to help
the UK, Alma was forced into marriage, me with this. A big deal was made that
abused, and mistreated by a man she I requested you, by the end of it I just
did not want to marry. After Alma left her wanted to finalise what I had to do
hometown she was further victimised, and not complicate the matter further
being passed from one abuser to another, and leave”.
eventually being trafficked to the UK.
In the UK, after a while, Alma, was granted Alma was rightfully frustrated and upset,
refugee status. Although, this meant she wanted someone she could trust to
that she could access more support and provide the language support. Although,
rebuild her life, she was still healing from she had a right to request this support,
the wounds. she still expressed a feeling of regret
for requesting that her Hibiscus Project
LACK OF GENDER SENSITIVITY IN Worker interpreted instead.
INTERPRETING
As a refugee, it was still difficult for Alma. It was not appropriate for Alma to be
The struggles were still present despite allocated a male interpreter; it is not
the recognition. Alma was still facing suitable when translating for survivors
difficulties in accessing services due to of trafficking for their interpretations to
language and cultural barriers. Therefore, be from the gender of those that had
she was often provided an interpreter. abused them. In a sensitive gender-
On a specific occasion Alma was allocated power dynamic relationship, the client
a male interpreter. She explained to the would have not felt the same if a woman,
male interpreter that she has an Albanian familiar with her case, understood
speaking Project Worker at Hibiscus her culture and language, could have
who was already assisting her. The male supported her instead.
interpreter was dismissive, abrupt, and
stated that there is no need for another After listing to Alma’s concerns, the
interpreter, and that he was there to Project Worker tried to ensure that Alma
interpret. Alma stated that she would like is not faced with such situations again.
to speak to a female interpreter instead.
“Previously I was missing this kind of
“I did not want to speak to him about support and finally I got it from you,
my private life, because of my experience and I will never forget that”.
I find it difficult to speak to men…
he then said to me what’s the difference
if it’s a man or a woman... he just didn’t
understand”.
Alma felt distressed after the meeting,
she felt misunderstood, she requested her
female Project Worker because she was
familiar with her case and understood the
language and culture.
*Name changed to protect identity
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 15ELIRA'S STORY
“No one helped me”. Following from this, Elira and her son were
sent to a hostel and they started being
Elira*, 28-year-old, is a survivor of supported by the local authority. Elira
trafficking and mother of five-year-old describes this experience, as the most
boy. She told Hibiscus that she was raised difficult time for her and her son. They
in a household where being a woman were surrounded by people with mental
meant education and work was not an health problems, alcohol and drug abuse,
option for her. Despite wanting to work people shouting and constant noises in
and to do something with her life, the building.
Elira was deprived from this right.
“I saw all sort of things that you can’t
Elira was trafficked to the UK, with imagine, my son saw this”.
her then four-year-old son. They are
both traumatised from that journey. The conditions and unsuitability of this
Fortunately, in the UK they managed to place had a huge impact on her and
escape their traffickers and seek help at her son’s wellbeing; he now requires
a police station. counselling.
After seeking help, Elira thought she Elira was moved from this hostel and
would be safe and would receive the help soon after was referred to Hibiscus. where
she needed. She was not aware of the she was allocated an Albanian speaking
barriers and difficulties she would have to Project Worker. It was clear that Elira
overcome in a new country, with different had suffered immense trauma, she was
rules and regulations, and a different extremely reluctant to talk about her
language and culture, a completely experience. She was very withdrawn and
different system to the one she was quiet. Nevertheless, the Project Worker
bought up in. built a relationship of trust with Elira,
from that moment she opened up about
Her experience at the police stations her experience in the hostel and with
caused much distress. Elira was the police.
interviewed for a few hours and was
asked to sign a document with regards to Elira also mentioned she had been
the trafficking element of her experience trafficked, the Project Worker asked if
but at the time she was not entirely she has been referred into the National
sure or understood the purpose of this Referral Mechanism (NRM). Elira did not
document. She expressed that during understand this question.
this interview she was in a lot of pain;
she could hardly keep her head up “I remember they asked me so sign
because of stomach pains. something about trafficking, but I never
heard back from anyone”.
“No one helped with anything… there
were these ladies at the hostel I was
staying they gave me a number to
contact a lawyer… this was a couple
months later after I met the police”.
*Name changed to protect identity
16 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSThe Project Worker took the time to By explaining to Elira what she is entitled
explain to Elira the NRM process and to and contacting the relevant services to
the support she would receive. The First secure the support, Hibiscus was able to
Responders were contacted and Elira positively impact Elira’s journey towards
was able to receive the extra financial recovery.
support as well as further support
specifically aimed at survivors of The change in her mood was noticeable
trafficking, to help survivors recover from straight way after receiving further
their experience. It appeared that Elira support. She showed this also by
had missed out on the support she was engaging in Hibiscus’ English to Speakers
entitled to for over a year. of Other Languages (ESOL) classes and
was eager to join Hibiscus activities
This was simply because she did not sessions.
understand the system and was not
aware of her legal rights in the UK and We could visualise, a scenario where Elira
what she is entitled to as a trafficking was offered cultural mediation when
survivor. This was extremely concerning she first encountered the police, she and
due to her vulnerabilities as a survivor her son would not have had to suffer
of trafficking, with a young son. She was as they did, and she would have had a
supposed to receive the appropriate better chance at being further down the
support immediately after she disclosed road to recovery. This shows that cultural
her trafficking experience. This is mediation is a tool that could be provided
important because she could have started to improve early intervention, especially
her journey towards recovery a year earlier. when working with vulnerable survivors
who do not understand the system and
As a potential trafficking survivor, have suffered gender-based violence.
under law, she was entitled to safe house
accommodation to keep her safe from “I started leaving the house more
the risk of re-exploitation. However, and speaking to my son about the
she was instead sent to unsuitable opportunities he has and that he will be
accommodation with her son because able to achieve a lot, because that was
she was not aware of her rights due to something that I could never do”.
the language and cultural barriers. If Elira
was fully aware of the NRM process and
the support she would be able to receive,
she would have been more proactive in
ensuring that her matter was being dealt
with by the NRM.
Acting as a cultural mediator, Hibiscus’
Project Worker centred Elira’s experience
of trafficking, understood and applied
the social norms that impacted her
worldview in her work on her case.
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 17CULTURAL MEDIATION AND GENDER SENSITIVITY
Reading these cases with a gender lens, The evidence from survivors suggests that
it is clear that all of them required extra women who have experienced violence
support other than an interpreter to overcome want the following from a service provider:
the encountered difficulties. They needed an
intervention of cultural mediation to start to • attentive listening;
feel empowered and to heal. Through cultural
mediation, emphasis is placed on supporting • s ensitive non-judgemental enquiry into
a survivor to re-establish power and control their needs;
over their life.
• validation of their disclosure;
We established that the overarching purpose
of cultural mediation is about providing a • e
nhancement of safety for themselves and
smooth transition of services, by considering their children; and
the cultural differences and lived experiences
of each individual. However, in the context of • t he provision of support and assistance
GBV survivors, cultural mediation promotes in accessing resources.59
so much more, something so important to
women who have had to fight battles, live in
social isolation, and experience something
unimaginable. It gives space for women’s
voices to be heard. It builds trust.
Interagency Gender-Based Violence Case Management Guidelines, 2017, p. 19.
59
18 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSFINDINGS
We have seen that cultural mediation can be • U
nderstanding of the system the cultural
applied in healthcare, education, public services, mediator is helping navigate through, i.e.
rehabilitation centres, and at immigration office immigration, criminal justice, health care
to facilitate better understanding with migrant provider etc. As well as understanding of the
communities. Hibiscus’ focus lies within the needs entitlements of the person they are supporting;
of migrant survivors of GBV, in creating a holistic Clearly identify the needs of the person
approach emphasising the survivors’ needs based supported and centre their needs; and
on their lived experience. We found during the
course of this research that cultural mediation can • U
nderstanding of tools and pathways to develop
be successfully applied with this community to agency and empower the person supported.
increase understanding of the systems they are
in, improve communication between survivors To demonstrate these competencies,
and their support structures, and in achieving it is important to follow these basic steps
better outcomes for these women. when working with female trafficking survivors
through cultural mediation:
The case studies included in this report depict
specific examples of cultural mediation and how Step 1: Create a safe space. Explain to the
it enabled women to make their voice heard by women exactly who you are, what you do as an
speaking about their struggles and demanding organisation, highlight the support available,
their rights. and the help you can provide.
For survivors of GBV, we found that: Step 2: Listen to women’s needs. This is of utmost
• Women require more than just an interpreter importance, listening to challenges they are
to help them navigate the systems they find faced with, will allow you to better understand
themselves in; the kind of support they need i.e. medical, legal,
psychological, protection services, educational,
• C
ultural mediation could be used as a tool to or work related etc.
help navigate the system, creating space for
better understanding and integration; and Step 3: Apply a non-judgemental lens. In some
cases, survivors of GBV, may feel judged therefore,
• B
y using a survivor-centred approach we it is important that you have the ability to
can do more than just help women access communicate without judgement. Self-awareness
services. We can help women heal, gain is important as a cultural mediator, considering
independence, and re-establish power and cultural, social norms and religious beliefs will
control over their lives. allow you to better understand women’s lived
experiences.
We identified that to develop the role of a
cultural mediator it requires the following Step 4: Build trust. Building trust takes some
competencies: time, however, by following the steps above,
• Cross-cultural awareness; trust will be earned. Informing women that this
is a confidential space is key. Most importantly,
• U
nderstanding issues migrant communities validating experiences provides survivors with the
experience; space to talk about their experience and creates
a trustworthy but professional relationship.
HIBISCUS | CULTURAL MEDIATION | 19RECOMMENDATIONS
The introduction of cultural mediation, even on Ensure those working with GBV
a small scale has proved successful and has survivors are also trained in and apply
attracted further interest. As we have seen trauma-informed and survivor-centred
cultural mediation provides a holistic approach to approaches.
interpretation. It is about creating understanding
between cultures, being an advocate, whilst also
empowering survivors to make their voice heard. Taking a trauma-informed and survivor-
centred approach means speaking to survivors,
The significance of cultural mediation as a supporting them to recognise and voice the
technique is that it could be used in various issues they faced in relation to their experience
settings. However, for the purpose of this reports of GBV. It includes informing and signposting
we have targeted these recommendations at them to organisations or services that are
statutory and non-statutory bodies working with equipped to provide help or support — including
migrant women, specifically those who have financial, social, psychological or legal support.
suffered trauma and GBV. By taking a cultural mediation approach to
support, and by recognising how trauma and
Improve understanding and abuse interacts in the experiences of survivors,
communication between survivors of it is possible to work with survivors to help them
GBV and statutory and non-statutory to identify their experiences of abuse, to explain
bodies by adopting cultural mediation the support they can receive, and to work together
as a primary approach to working with towards recovery.
this community.
Improve knowledge and good practice
The report has identified and highlighted gaps in in working with survivors of GBV within
communication between survivors and services. service providers.
In order to bridge these gaps, cultural mediation
must be provided at the forefront of relevant
services and institutions, such as immigration
removal centres, police stations, healthcare services, It is important that cultural mediation is recognised
local authorities etc. This would lead to better and understood on a larger scale. By sharing and
understanding of situations and would build trust emphasising the benefits of it with organisations
between survivors and agencies. This could be and bodies working with migrants and trafficking
used as a tool for early intervention, by ensuring survivors. The steps taken after the initial contact
that survivors are being heard and understood, with survivors are key. The aim is to build trust,
and that they are aware of their rights as well as therefore providing adequate information at this
informed of how to access support from other point and making sure the cultural mediator maps
services. As a result, these institutions will be better out the survivor’s need and guides them to relevant
informed about the support that survivors require, services. This could include allocating a cultural
and the relevant support routes will be identified mediator to GBV survivors with language needs for
earlier on. Adopting cultural mediation is a tool at least one year, to ensure smooth communication
which addresses the need to be able to understand and to facilitate understanding of the systems,
and be understood, outlined in the Government’s culture and language within the UK. This will
Response to the 2020 Consultation ’Improving the promote capacity building of existing service
Victims’ Code’. providers and fill the gaps in communication.
20 | CULTURAL MEDIATION | HIBISCUSYou can also read
