COMMUNITY PROGRAMS
Momentum Collective is a provider of the Staying Home Leaving Violence program in Northern NSW. As part of this program, we have created “Staying Home Safe” resources for the wider sector to support women and children to stay home safe while leaving violence. Domestic and family violence practitioners from around NSW joined a two day online Staying Home Safe forum hosted by Momentum Collective in June 2020. The forum brought together people working in domestic and family violence, government departments, police and local businesses to discuss how we can all work together to improve outcomes for women and children escaping domestic and family violence. In collaboration with industry partners and members of the community, we also produced a booklet and online resources for women and children experiencing domestic and family violence to help keep them safe in their homes.
Finding a new life after domestic violence When Jess (name changed to protect privacy) arrived at our women’s refuge after escaping domestic violence, she had to reassess and rebuild her life. With the support of her Momentum case worker, Jess began to make arrangements with her employer to ensure she could continue working and care for her son during a traumatic time. Once her employment was secure, Jess turned her attention to finding a new home where she and her son would be safe. The team at our women’s refuge supported her to access funding to assist with establishing a new home and arranged donations of furniture and essential household items.
During her time at the refuge Jess was able to increase her hours of work after our team helped her find childcare for her son. This allowed Jess and her son to be more financially secure and start a new life free of violence and abuse. Jess said the support she received from her caseworker and the Momentum team was ‘lifesaving’. “I was so worried when I arrived at the refuge but the team made me feel so supported and worked really quickly to help me keep my job and find a new home for my son and I. I can’t thank them enough for helping us get back on our feet and realise that we can have a good life and be safe.”
22 | Momentum Collective
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