A Hunter-based program for women recovering from domestic and family violence (DFV), Pathways to Empowerment, is already starting to show its benefits.

The Australian Bureau of Statistics’ (ABS) recently-released Personal Safety Survey highlighted that around one-in-six females have experienced partner economic abuse.

The alarming figure emphasises the depth of hardship experienced by DV victims… and something the Zahra Foundation is playing a key role in addressing in the region.

The organisation launched a three-year $730,000 partnership with the Greater Charitable Foundation in November 2022 to deliver Pathways to Empowerment.

The initiative was designed to economically empower women who were rebuilding their lives after leaving DFV.

As the national spotlight shines on this critical issue during May as part of Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month, the program’s first graduates are experiencing life-changing results after completing the seven-week plan.

Zahra Foundation Australia chief executive officer Kelly-Ann Tansley admitted she was encouraged by the outcomes of the inaugural intake.

“If we want to stop violence against women, we must ensure they are not only physically safe, but safe from economic exploitation and coercion,” she said.

“This is the fundamental purpose of Pathways to Empowerment.

“To have six women complete the first program in the Hunter is a wonderful result, particularly when you hear from our facilitators the positive outcomes each of them experienced.

“We had one woman gain access to supports to complete her work placement, two are enrolling at TAFE, and we also supported one participant to access additional support at TAFE to maintain her education while living with a disability.

“As well, we had one woman lose her boarding house accommodation during the program.

“However, due to the support and collaboration with Jenny’s Place caseworkers, she chose not to surrender to homelessness.

“Her new-found strength enabled her to continue to care for her child and re-enter emergency accommodation.

“These are life-changing results for these women, which could have been very different if not for their participation in the program and support of the team at Jenny’s Place, who have done an incredible job in delivering this program and changing these women’s lives in such a short time.

“Every woman recovering from family and domestic violence should have the opportunity to participate in what is a life-changing program and we look forward to welcoming our next group of participants this month.”

Thanks to Newcastle-based crisis support service provider Jenny’s Place, the six women took critical steps in rebuilding their lives and creating financial independence, ensuring they and their children need not choose between safety and poverty or homelessness.

Participant Sandra (not her real name) said her involvement in the program had already set her life on a new and positive path.

“When I started, I felt isolated and alone, and my self-esteem and self-worth were at its lowest,” she explained.

“But, in just seven weeks, I’ve grown in many ways.

“The trajectory of my life has totally changed.

“I’ve set attainable goals and now have real hope for my future.

“Learning my rights as a woman and how to set healthy boundaries has been so rewarding and beneficial to my self-growth.

“I now have plans to enrol in study and have made new strong connections with the other participants.

“Meeting other like-minded women with similar experiences and stories was my favourite part of the program.

“I would loved to have been part of an initiative like this years ago because it is so valuable and practical.

“So, I hope many more women who’ve had similar experiences to me can access this program because they, too, deserve the opportunity to learn and grow.”

Greater Charitable Foundation CEO Anne Long said she was incredibly buoyed by the outcomes of the first program and looked forward to providing ongoing support for Zahra Foundation’s work in the Hunter.

“The results are nothing short of remarkable,” she explained.

“And, it aligns perfectly with our strategic focus of improving life outcomes by positively enhancing the financial wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.

“This program is critically-important to the region.

“So, we’re keen to continue our partnership with Zahra Foundation to roll it out to more Hunter women over the next two-and-a-half years.”

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