More than 130 women in the Illawarra region have received vital support and financial guidance over the past year thanks to a partnership between the Greater Charitable Foundation and the Centre for Women’s Economic Safety (CWES).
Over the past 12 months, the clinic has delivered 324 individual appointments and waived over $125,000 of debts resulting from financial abuse, easing the burden on many women and helping them feel better equipped to make informed financial decisions.
A form of domestic and family violence, perpetrators of economic abuse control, exploit or sabotage their victim’s economic resources, such as through limiting their access to money, technology or employment, or forcing them to take on debts or sign contracts.
CWES Chief Executive Officer, Rebecca Glenn, highlighted the critical role the service plays in the community.
“Our Illawarra Money Clinics fill an important gap, providing women with tailored financial safety planning and support in a safe and trusted environment. The fact that we’ve supported 130 women in just 12 months is a testament to the growing need for these services,” Rebecca said.
“Beyond individual support, we’ve built strong relationships with more than 20 local organisations that regularly refer women to our service. This community connection is vital to ensuring women have access to the help they need when they need it most.”
The Illawarra Money Clinic, which operates from Shellharbour and Wollongong, is part of CWES’ broader mission to support women experiencing economic abuse and improve women’s economic safety.
Catherine Robson, Chair of the NGM Group Charitable Foundation, said the Foundation is proud to support CWES and the positive impact they’ve achieved over the past year.
“Economic abuse is a devastating form of domestic violence that can trap women in unsafe situations and have lasting impacts on their lives,” Catherine said.
“The work CWES is doing through the Illawarra Money Clinic is truly life changing. It not only provides practical financial support but also restores a sense of hope and possibility for the women they help.
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this important initiative and to see the impact it’s had on the local community over the past year, knowing that when you empower women, so often it enables all those around them to thrive.
Since its launch, the clinic has received referrals from 23 local organisations and conducted eight community presentations to raise awareness about financial safety and economic abuse.
For more information about CWES’ Money Clinics or to access support, visit cwes.org.au.
The Illawarra Money Clinic service, launched in February 2024, offers free, independent, and confidential support for women experiencing economic abuse.