Level 2 - New Worker/Volunteer

While passion and a desire to make positive changes in communities are valuable pre-requisites for working in the SVP and SVPP sector, everyone’s safety is supported by each worker demonstrating relevant levels of competence and understanding. Capabilities that demonstrate that workers and volunteers have appropriate attitudes, skills and knowledge are:

Treaty-Based relationships with Tangata Whenua

After initial introductory training, workers and volunteers demonstrate:

• appropriate kawa and tikanga behaviours within the context of the service they offer

• a sensitivity to the complexities of power, authority and privilege within the context of Aotearoa New Zealand

• a commitment to organisational Te Tiriti o Waitangi policies

• an understanding of the distinction between Kaupapa Māori and Bi-cultural work

Specialist knowledge about the dynamics, impact and prevention of sexual violence

After initial introductory training, workers and volunteers can:

• describe sexual violence as a major social and health problem

• demonstrate an understanding of the continuum of sexual and intimate partner violence prevention, and describe appropriate strategies for change that can be implemented in diverse contexts

• demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of sexual violence including: risk factors for perpetration and victimisation, root causes of harmful behaviour, cultural differences in understanding and implementing remedies and harm prevention

• demonstrate an understanding of the impact of sexual violence including: barriers to seeking help, how trauma impacts on individuals, and diverse recovery models

• describe current legal, crisis and long-term recovery support for people affected by sexual violence

• describe the social and cultural determinants behind rigid gender norms, and explain how promoting diverse gender expressions contributes to SVPP and SVP activities

• demonstrate an ability to access, interpret, use and present data about sexual violence

• explain the importance of evidence-based programme development and evaluation

• demonstrate examples of safe sexual violence prevention activities

• describe the various levels where prevention activities can be focused (e.g. individual, community, public policy)

• support change related to sexual violence and intimate partner violence through education

• describe human development in the context of sexual violence prevention including: brain development, how trauma can impact the brain and development, normal sexual development in children

• describe the connection between sexual health promotion and sexual violence prevention

• demonstrate the ability to talk with ease about topics related to sex, sexual violence, sexual health and healthy relationships

Empowering and collaborative practices

After initial introductory training, workers and volunteers can:

• build appropriate working relationships and professional boundaries with colleagues, communities and groups across a range of settings

• engage with target groups by using participatory teaching methods, modelling consent and relating respectfully

• use different styles and models that support participatory learning

• explain why children at different ages and stages, and people with diverse abilities have specific and different learning needs

• create safe learning environments using facilitation, co-facilitation, communication skills and by projecting a calm, confident and positive persona

The welfare and wellbeing of participants is paramount

After initial introductory training, workers and volunteers can:

• explain confidentiality to service and activity participants and work within its limits

• describe how to access local specialist sexual violence support services, and know what support is available for people who have experienced or perpetrated sexual harm

• describe how to access local services that are relevant to the population group where the service or activity is taking place

• demonstrate appropriate responses to disclosures that arise during a sexual violence prevention activity, and that they can assess the person’s needs and potential risk. This includes one-on-one and group settings. Where appropriate they facilitate access to ongoing support following disclosures from survivors/victims, people with HSB and other violent behaviour, and people struggling with other emotional issues (including self-harm and suicidal ideation)

• recognise different emotional states in a group setting and manage them to ensure the safety and wellbeing of participants

• maintain clear professional boundaries

• talk with ease about topics that are related to sexual violence, family violence, violence within whānau, sexual health and intimate partner violence

Culturally informed and inclusive practices

After initial introductory training, workers and volunteers can:

• describe and explain the need for culturally informed sexual violence prevention activities

• describe and explain social constructs and historical contexts that inform power and privilege relevant to sexual violence prevention

• show awareness of their own culture and related power and privilege, and how that might impact on others – including an intersectional analysis of gender, sexuality, ability, culture and class

• describe and explain different cultural sensitivities, paradigms and identities when discussing topics like sex, and sexual violence

Sustainable practices and ongoing professional-personal development

After initial introductory training, workers and volunteers can:

• accept regular supervision and feedback from peers and managers

• participate in professional and personal development

• set boundaries for themselves and seek help when required

• create a ‘self-care’ routine and develop a ‘community of care’ to sustain and maintain their own wellbeing