Tackling Violence against Women & Girls (VAWG) Coordinator

This post is open to female applicants only (under Schedule 9 paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010).

Do you want to make a real difference to the lives of at-risk migrant women and girls facing abuse and exploitation?

Portsmouth City of Sanctuary (PCoS) is looking for a passionate Tackling Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG) Coordinator to coordinate our work supporting women from ethnic minority and migrant backgrounds. You will lead PCoS’ contribution to the HAVEN women’s project, working closely with stakeholders across the Portsmouth post code, to create specialist signposting to pathways of support. 

The role will focus on migrant women with an emphasis on women with insecure immigration status or no recourse to public funds (NRPF), many of whom are vulnerable to abuse, violence, exploitation, and poverty. Building on our trusted relationships in the community, you will provide early intervention, and ensure women can thrive, free from abuse and avoidable discrimination.

PCoS is a trauma informed charity, supporting women affected by sexual and honour-based abuse, and all other forms of harm, which may be triggering for those with past trauma. Please only apply if you are living free from abuse yourself.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in confidential casework, advocacy or support for vulnerable women.
• An understanding of domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, trafficking, FGM, and NRPF issues. 
• A clear alignment to PCoS values, and a drive and commitment to equality, cultural sensitivity and trauma-informed practice.
• Strong communication skills (written, spoken and presentation).
• Effective partnership-building skills. 
• Excellent organisational and time management skills (including face-to-face availability on Monday and Wednesday mornings in particular).
• An Enhanced DBS check. (This can be provided if not in place).

If you are committed to empowering women and tackling VAWG, we would love to hear from you.  

To apply, please send your CV and a covering letter to [email protected] by 5pm on Tuesday 14 October 5pm. Interviews will take place week commencing 27 October 2025.

Job Description

Role Purpose 

The Tackling VAWG Coordinator will coordinate the HAVEN Women’s Project and dedicated telephone helpline, providing safe, accessible, and culturally sensitive support for migrant women. You’ll be dealing with women vulnerable to crime, particularly those with insecure immigration status, such as NRPF or living undocumented. The role will focus on building trust, reducing hidden harm, and ensuring women at risk of exploitation or abuse can access safe sanctuary, advice, and longer-term specialist signposting to pathways of support. 

The Coordinator will work towards reducing harm to women and girls from the most vulnerable ethnic groups in Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant, which include abuse, sexual exploitation, FGM and violence. This includes conducting one-to-one casework assessments, working alongside statutory services and PCoS key partners to safeguard clients.

The role includes liaising closely with the Police, sexual health services, medical professionals, faith and community groups, as well as other charities and PCoS projects.

The Coordinator will also work closely alongside the HAVEN Project Lead to provide training and awareness raising to professionals and communities on honour-based abuse, NRPF and FGM. 

Key Responsibilities

1. Coordination and advocacy
   • Act as the main point of contact for migrant women supported by PCoS affected by VAWG in Portsmouth, Gosport and Havant via one-to-one  casework support. 
   • Lead the delivery and day to day management of the HAVEN Women’s Project working alongside the HAVEN Project Lead and our co-founding partners – VISTA and the Medaille Trust.
   • Operate and manage a dedicated telephone helpline for women seeking support. 
   • Ensure services are safe, confidential and trauma informed. 
   • Build effective referral pathways to specialist services (housing, legal, immigration, Victim Support, counselling).
   • Work closely and manage VAWG referrals from key PCoS stakeholders such as Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire Constabulary, sexual health, community and faith groups, other charities and PCoS projects. 

2. Early intervention and prevention
   • Engage with women at early stages to reduce risk and prevent escalation of harm.
   • Promote awareness of rights, services, and reporting options in safe and culturally sensitive ways.
   • Ensure interventions consider trauma, immigration status, and financial insecurity.

3. Community engagement
   • Work with ethnic minority women and “hard to reach” communities to build trust and confidence.
   • Support outreach campaigns, including translated materials and Post code-wide awareness initiatives.
   • Actively seek input from women with lived experience to shape services and policy recommendations.
   • Provide professional training, awareness sessions on honour-based abuse, FGM and NRPF.

4. Monitoring and reporting
   • Maintain accurate, confidential case records in line with data protection and safeguarding policies, on PCoS’ client database (Beacon).
   • Collect monitoring data to evidence impact for funders, trustees, and stakeholders, using the Beacon system.
   • Contribute to reports and evaluations demonstrating outcomes for clients and highlight needs for process change.
   • Project status (bi-monthly) reporting to Trustees at the PCoS Board Meeting, either in person or via a documented report.

Person Specification (Competencies and Skills)