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- Tasks: Provide vital support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children in the community.
- Company: Join Refuge, a leading organisation dedicated to supporting those affected by domestic violence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of Eastern European women and children facing domestic abuse.
- Qualifications: Proficiency in Eastern European languages and experience in providing emotional support.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team focused on continuous learning and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 31100 £ per year.
We are excited to share an opportunity to join Refuge as an Eastern European Independent Gender Violence Advocate (IGVA) as we enter an important new chapter of growth, supported by funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. This is a vital role which provides high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children in the community.
You will be part of a highly skilled and supportive team committed to collaborative working and continuous learning. This role offers the chance to strengthen multi-agency partnerships to enhance outreach and support for survivors, while also contributing to increasing professional understanding of the specific needs of Eastern European women and children affected by domestic abuse and violence.
You will provide capacity-building in the form of advice, advocacy, support, and briefings across three London boroughs to statutory agencies and community organizations around the needs of Eastern European domestic abuse survivors, to embed best practice across our communities.
It is essential for candidates to be proficient in one or more Eastern European languages. We particularly encourage applications from Romanian, Lithuanian or Polish speaking candidates.
You will have proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to women as well as up-to-date knowledge of legislation relating to survivors of gender-based violence. You will have excellent casework skills, good written and verbal communication skills, clear professional boundaries and be a proactive team player.
This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing date: 9:00am on 9 February 2026
Interview dates: 16 and 17 February 2026
Eastern European IGVA employer: Refuge
Contact Detail:
Refuge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Eastern European IGVA
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, especially those who work with Eastern European communities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Refuge and their mission. Show us you’re passionate about supporting survivors of domestic abuse and that you understand the specific needs of Eastern European women and children.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your language skills! If you're proficient in Romanian, Lithuanian, or Polish, make sure you can demonstrate this during your interview. It’s a key part of the role, so let’s show them what you’ve got!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Eastern European IGVA
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Eastern European IGVA role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your proficiency in Eastern European languages and your understanding of domestic abuse issues.
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for supporting survivors of domestic abuse. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to apply for this role. This will help us understand your commitment to making a difference in the community.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read and convey your message effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive your application directly and can process it efficiently. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your application status.
How to prepare for a job interview at Refuge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by Eastern European women and children affected by domestic abuse. Understanding the legislation around gender-based violence will show that you’re not just interested, but also knowledgeable.
✨Showcase Your Language Skills
If you speak Romanian, Lithuanian, or Polish, be ready to demonstrate your proficiency. You might be asked to translate a scenario or explain how you would communicate with a survivor in their native language. This is a key part of the role, so don’t shy away from it!
✨Highlight Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past work where you provided emotional and practical support to survivors. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will help you convey your experience clearly and effectively.
✨Be a Team Player
Since this role involves collaborative working, be ready to discuss how you’ve worked in teams before. Share instances where you’ve built partnerships or contributed to a supportive environment. This will show that you can thrive in a team setting, which is crucial for this position.
