1. Tell us a little something about yourself – who you are and what you do?
I’m Elaine – I’m the Policy and Communications Manager for the national domestic violence charity, Refuge.
2. Describe a day doing what you do
Refuge is a small, over-stretched charity so my job is always fairly frantic. If there’s a high profile domestic violence story in the media, I’ll spend all day fielding calls from journalists, drafting statements for my chief executive and – occasionally – doing radio interviews myself (I’m trying to be braver at doing that!). Otherwise, I’ll be writing policy reports or working on a campaign.
Our current campaign is called ‘In Maria’s Name’, in memory of Maria Stubbings – a woman who was murdered by her ex-partner in 2008, despite making repeated calls for help to the police. Together with Maria’s family, we are asking people to sign our petition calling on the Government to open a public inquiry into the police and state response to domestic violence. Find out more and sign here.
3. What are the best things about it? What are the hardest?
People always look a bit alarmed when I tell them I work for a domestic violence charity. I think they assume my job is really depressing. Don’t get me wrong – it can be really hard. For the last six months I’ve been working on domestic homicide cases, which can be upsetting. Every week two women are killed as a result of domestic violence. That statistic still stuns me, even though I’ve been working in the field for six years. But my job is also incredibly uplifting. I get to work with the most incredible, brave, inspiring people – people like Maria’s family, who have devoted their lives to ensuring that other women get the protection they deserve. They’re amazing!
4. How did you get into it?
I used to be a journalist, and found myself wanting to write about issues like domestic violence. My editors were pretty ‘old-fashioned’ and we argued a lot! I decided to volunteer at Refuge one day a week, to see if I liked it. As soon as I started I realised, ‘Oh, this is where I belong!’
5. What advice would you have for someone wanting to get into something similar?
Volunteering is a great way to get into the charity sector – charities are always looking for hard-working students and graduates. Showing a real passion for the cause is also invaluable. Genuine commitment and dedication are just as important as having a CV crammed full of skills.
6. How would you describe your style or design ethic?
I seem to have developed a minor addiction to vintage dresses. And brogues. My sister recently looked through my wardrobe and laughed because everything in it was either really brightly coloured or heavily patterned. I guess I like a strong print.
7. Where do you seek inspiration from?
I like checking out other people’s outfits on the street, especially people who look a bit bonkers. I might try and steal a couple of elements and tone them down a bit.
8. What is your favourite work outfit and why?
My office is in a big block full of law firms, so the lifts are always full of dark-suited men. The Refuge staff stand out a mile because we’re a bit more relaxed. My go-to outfit for serious meetings is an olive green silk dress with – of course – a floral pattern.
9. What can’t you live without at work?
I have a bad back, so I have a super fancy chair that keeps me nice and supported. It looks like a throne.
10. What’s the best advice you’ve been given in relation to working life?
It’s not exactly career advice, but my older sister always says that if you’re not happy with your life, you need to shake up the pieces on the board and see where they land. I guess I did that when I left journalism – sometimes you just have to take a risk, try something new and go with your heart. You have to love what you do at work, otherwise you’ll just feel like you’re on a treadmill.
(Jo)
