Helping women escape violence is Fay's reward

In an exclusive series, the Larne Times takes a look at various jobs held by people throughout the borough and finds out what makes their day inspiring

Who are you and what is your job title?

Fay Tilson, Larne’s community resettlement worker for Women’s Aid (Larne, Carrickfergus, Newtownabbey, Antrim and Ballymena).

What does your job involve?

The main aim of community resettlement is to support women who have been or are being affected by domestic violence. I help them develop their decision making abilities by addressing the impact of domestic violence on self-esteem, confidence and family functioning through a range of information and training opportunities.

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I provide services such as home visits, telephone support, accompanying women to court, fundraising and awareness raising. I also facilitate a number of courses such as My Life My Choices, a six-week course aimed at improving women’s self-esteem and confidence.

What made you want to do this for a living?

Four years ago I started volunteering with Women’s Aid and found it very rewarding to support and help women suffering from domestic abuse. So when the job came up, I didn’t hesitate in applying.

What is your favourite part of the job?

The “light bulb” moment in the Journey To Freedom course, when the women realise the domestic violence they suffer / suffered was absolutely not their fault and that their partner is very unlikely to change.

Also the change in the women from week one to week six of My Life My Choices, which is remarkable.

And are there any disadvantages to it?

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It can be disheartening when a woman returns to an abusive partner. Not leaving does not mean that the situation is OK or that the victims want to be abused. A woman stays in an abusive relationship for the exact same reasons that a woman stays in a non-abusive relationship, except with the added element of fear.

Many victims do leave and lead successful, violent-free lives. Our door is always open and no matter what choices the woman makes, we will always help her and support those choices.

How does the job fit around your personal or family life?

My job is 20 hours a week so I do have time in the week to catch up with my mum and dad, family and friends and do as little housework as I can get away with.

What tips would you give anyone seeking a similar career?

A great way to see if this type of work is for you is to volunteer with Women’s Aid, where you will get the opportunity to work alongside the workers in your chosen field. If you are interested in volunteering please ring our volunteer co-ordinator Gillian on 07742218823 or the Naomi Centre on 02825632136.

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How do you like to unwind or have fun when you are not at work?

I can get lost for hours in a good book, by walking through the forest or along the beach with my dog Riley and I share a glass of wine with my husband Paul at the weekends.