Meet WIFVC Trainer, Shikha Makker

What drew you to the family violence sector, and where has your career taken you?

My journey into the family violence sector began during my Master of Social Work studies. Delving into the complexities of violence and abuse was a profound experience that shattered misconceptions and ignited a deep-seated passion within me. I was determined to challenge the pervasive myths surrounding family violence, particularly the harmful stereotypes of gender roles, which I had witnessed and experienced since my own childhood.

Over the past seven years, I’ve had the privilege of working at GenWest and exploring various roles within the sector. From starting as a Specialist Family Violence Case Manager, I progressed to the role of Team Leader in Case Management, and Family Violence Graduate Coordinator. Currently, I'm fulfilling a rewarding role as a Team Leader in the Multilingual Health Education team, focused on early intervention and primary prevention.

Each opportunity has been a stepping stone, broadening my understanding of the sector and its multifaceted challenges. I’m grateful for the chance to contribute to positive change and support victim survivors on their journey to healing and empowerment.

What do you enjoy about being a WIFVC trainer?

I find the role incredibly rewarding, more as a facilitator and coach than a traditional trainer. It’s about creating spaces for rich conversations and fostering a supportive learning environment. Witnessing participants collaborate and share expertise is immensely satisfying. Supporting a diverse group of learners, from emerging professionals to seasoned experts, is crucial. Their collective knowledge and passion enrich our learning environment. Seeing their dedication to creating change is motivating. The sector's challenges, often shared by participants, remind us of the work ahead to achieve a society free from family violence, fuelling my commitment to ongoing learning and improvement.

What sustains you in your practice in the family violence sector?

Building on our training discussions about vicarious resilience, the extraordinary strength of victim survivors fuels my passion for this work. While the prevalence of family violence remains deeply concerning, witnessing victim survivors’ journey of healing inspires and motivates me to continue working towards a future free from violence. Exploring diverse roles within the field has also been instrumental in maintaining my passion and purpose. Each new challenge serves as an opportunity for growth and learning, reinforcing my commitment to making a difference.