Communities and Justice

Women in refuges provided much needed financial support to start next chapter

8 Feb 2022

Women escaping abusive relationships who are currently residing in domestic violence refuges across NSW will be offered grants of up to $5,000 to purchase equipment, education and training, transport, childcare and other associated costs to help them re-enter the workforce.

Minister for Women Bronnie Taylor said the second phase of the NSW Government’s $10 million Return to Work Program will help more than 740 victim-survivors of domestic violence to return to work.

“This program is about empowering these courageous victim-survivors of domestic violence to enter or re-enter the workforce by providing them with the financial support to secure a job, regain independence and feel optimistic about what their new future holds,” Mrs Taylor said.

“We know that some victim-survivors of domestic violence are financially controlled and do not have access to funds. These grants will remove key financial barriers to getting a new job, helping alleviate some of the financial pressures of starting again and providing hope for those in a sometimes hopeless situation.”

Eligible women will be supported by Service NSW Return to Work Coordinators to develop a Return to Work Plan which sets out the resources that will assist them getting back in the workforce.

Minister for Women’s Safety and the Prevention of Domestic and Sexual Violence Natalie Ward said this funding is in addition to the NSW Government’s record $484.3 million investment announced last year to support women and children escaping domestic abuse.

“It is crucial that victim-survivors feel supported, safe and secure and this extra funding will help those embarking on their next important chapter as they return to work,” Mrs Ward said.

“We want to ensure we assist them with this transition, which can be daunting for many, and help cover the cost of common financial obstacles.”

Minister for Families and Communities and Minister for Disability Services Natasha Maclaren-Jones said the program would help drive down homelessness.

“Domestic violence is a leading cause of homelessness for women and this program provides critical support enabling financial independence, leading to stable housing,” Mrs Maclaren-Jones said.

Homelessness NSW CEO Katherine McKernan said crisis accommodation services have seen a 7 per cent increase in women and children escaping domestic violence seeking support since the beginning of the pandemic.

“Supporting women who have experienced domestic violence to return to work is a critical part to keeping women safe. Without financial independence women have limited options and may return to the violent partner,” Ms McKernan said.

Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) CEO Helen Silvia said achieving economic security is crucial for women as they rebuild their lives after being impacted by domestic violence.

“Women living in WAGEC refuges experience multiple barriers to participating in work and study, including not being able to afford the cost of education and childcare, as well as limited access to technology. We welcome the flexibility of the Return to Work Program as it will remove some of these barriers and amplify the impact of the support we can provide,” Ms Silvia said.

Domestic Violence NSW Interim CEO Elyse Phillips said it is imperative there is adequate support for women who are leaving domestic violence and working towards financial independence.

“Women living in refuges have often had to leave violent homes with nothing, so the Return to Work Program is vital to empowering these women and giving them the opportunity to pursue their own goals,” Ms Phillips said.

The initial roll out of the Return to Work program in 2021 provided grants of up to $5000 to more than 1400 women. Eligible applicants will be able to register interest from 8 to 21 February 2022 and Service NSW will accept applications from women on the registration list from 22 February to 2 May 2022.

Government funded refuges, supporting women victim-survivors of domestic violence, will be contacted directly with further information. Further information about the RTW Program is available by emailing RTWProgram@facs.nsw.gov.au

Last updated:

08 Feb 2022