Recapping CALD

Some key points are summarised here for viewers of this resource who have not yet completed CALD modules 1-4 and 7, and for viewers who completed these modules some time previously. It is highly recommended that viewers access this information as understanding cultural values and practices is relevant to how women respond to partner abuse and their willingness to disclose. It is important to remember that:

1. Cultural competency requires awareness, sensitivity and knowledge, and the ability to apply these in practice.
2. Many migrants from CALD backgrounds face settlement challenges establishing a new life in an unfamiliar culture and society, including understanding a significantly different health system. Language and cultural barriers, as well as discrimination, prejudice and stereotyping are experiences common to many CALD migrants.
3. Refugees often face these same challenges overlaid with traumatic experiences. The refugee experience is of civil war, multiple loss of family and community support, dangerous journeys of flight, and often long periods in refugee camps. Many have little or no choice over their destination and no possibility of returning home if families do not settle well. Refugees often have higher mental health needs than migrants.
4. Professional interpreters need to be provided for clients who have little or no English language proficiency. Family or friends should not be used as interpreters for health settings unless in an emergency.
5. Health professionals need to know how and when to work with interpreters, have a clear understanding of their roles, know how to brief the interpreter, and how to structure a session. Translated resources need to be offered to clients where available.
6. Culture and religious backgrounds will influence whether women seek help, how they communicate their experiences, and from whom they are likely to seek assistance.

Implications for practice

When working with CALD migrant groups, health professionals need to understand how migration, the refugee experience, acculturation and systemic barriers, such as failure to use professional interpreters may further jeopardise vulnerable groups.

It is recommended that health professionals:

• Understand the various cultural forms of victimisation of migrant women
• Have broad understandings of migration experiences for CALD women
• Thoroughly understand the woman's presenting situation and have confidence in working with an interpreter
• Understand the role of family and communities in CALD women's lives
• Have access to adequate supervision with a cross-cultural framework to ensure ongoing reflective practice.