Domestic Violence Practitioner (registered/accredited IDVA)
Class of 2022
Criminology with Police Studies
If you studied your undergraduate programme at York St John University or founder colleges, did you go on to postgraduate study?
Yes, at York St John University
Why have you chosen this photo as your YSJ snapshot?
I’ve chosen to upload these photos as my 6 year old Son has been a huge part of my journey at YSJ, often on campus with me. He was only 3 when I started in 2019.
Now going on to the MRes programme to further develop my research into domestic violence, I can continue to work full time as an IDVA. This work makes a difference to the lives of women and their children in North Yorkshire. It was the ‘Working in Criminology’ module in Year 2 that opened the door up for me into to the career I have now, after obtaining a part time role, I have now been made a permanent full time member of the team and graduated from Womens Aid National Training Centre in March 2022 as an accredited and registered IDVA (Independent Domestic Violence Advocate).
The other photograph of myself and my brother standing in Quad gardens, is one of my favourite memories of my time at YSJ. My brother Matthew studied at YSJ too (there are 18 years between us) and this photo was taken the day we both handed our dissertations in. It was the final time we would be together on campus.
As a mature student, returning to study, I could not have wished for a more supportive University and I am so excited to now progress with my MRes this September! Thank you YSJ.
What are your fondest memories of York St John University?
1. Bringing my little boy in during half term and seeing him sit in the lecture theatres with his headphones on!
2. The very last seminar I ever had, our lecturer bought us all a coffee and sat and spent time reading over our work giving us all feedback. We were encouraged to read each other’s and it was a really positive session.
3. The support my Dissertation Supervisor Jo Doran gave me
Why did you choose York St John University or founder colleges?
As a Mature student I found the staff friendly and the whole Process less daunting. I was impressed with the programme structure and staff.
What have you been doing since completing your studies?
After handing my dissertation in, I went straight into full time work within the risk assessment department at IDAS, assessing cases sent over from North Yorkshire Police of Domestic Violence in terms of safety planning, risk identification and management and multi agency working. I have delivered talks to Askham Bryan College on the subject of consent, as well as workshops to North Yorkshire Council Social Workers and Survive Counsellors on Domestic Violence. Raising awareness.
I have also been taking some time to relax with my family including a few days out to the beach, before my postgraduate studies commence in September.
What one piece of advice would you give to a current student, or one about to graduate?
Keep an open mind about careers – explore things outside the box and consider opportunities that come your way that you had not thought of before!
Attend your seminars and do the reading…write about topics you are passionate about! Always believe in yourself.