Steps to Working with CALD Women

Step 1: You should use simple and clear English (no need to speak loudly) to ask her what language she speaks or you can use the Community Relations Commission language card to find out. Be aware that some women are not literate in their own language.

If she speaks some English, ask her how you may help her, and whether she needs an interpreter. Note that some CALD women do not want to use interpreters or a bilingual worker.

Step 2:  Using a telephone interpreter from TIS (13 14 50), find out what she needs from your service. Avoid referring her to another CALD worker or service simply because she is CALD without ascertaining what it is she needs from you/your service.

Step 3: Ask if she is happy to receive assistance from you through an interpreter or whether she would prefer a bilingual worker.

Step 4: If she requires a bilingual worker, make appropriate referrals. Make sure you are giving her the correct details. If you are referring her to a telephone service, make sure you are aware of whether the service has a language specific service (what day and time). 

Step 5:  Provide her with the option of coming back to you/your service if she does not receive the assistance she needs.

Where possible, follow up on the service to find out whether the referral was appropriate and whether she received the assistance required. This type of information can be used to build up a database of CALD friendly services to work with in the future.

Step 6: If she is attending Court and she needs an interpreter, make sure you inform the court as early as possible to book an interpreter. This will help to avoid the matter being adjourned.

This information was kindly provided by Immigrant Women’s Speakout NSW

Domestic Violence occurs in all ethnic groups. Immigrant women who are not yet permanent residents may face special problems if they are experiencing domestic violence.

Some women who have lodged applications for permanent residence, or who have recently arrived in Australia fear that if they leave the relationship with their abusive partner, they will not be able to stay in the country. For most women this is not the case, as immigration law recognises that women should not have to risk further violence in order to obtain residency.

Women who are in this situation should seek advice from an immigration lawyer at the Immigration Advice and Rights Centre or Legal Aid NSW. They should also be given advice about Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders and protection, from the police.

CENTRELINK • 131 202
Multilingual Phone Service    

IMMIGRATION ADVICE & RIGHTS CENTRE • 02 8234 0700

IMMIGRANT WOMEN’S SPEAKOUT • 02 9635 8022
Housing support, policy workers and ethno-specific and multicultural support workers.

LEGAL AID NSW – PENRITH • 02 4732 3077

NEPEAN MULTICULTURAL ACCESS • 02 9833 2416
Information and referral to outreach programs, mobile aged day care for 65 years and over.

TRANSLATING AND INTERPRETING SERVICE • 131 450

PENRITH CITY COUNCIL MULTICULTURAL LIAISON OFFICER • 02 4732 7777