breaking the cycle of violence: women’s economic independence & employment strategies
DESCRIPTION
Breaking the cycle of violence: Women’s Economic Independence & Employment StrategiesTRANSCRIPT
The National Coordinating Body of Women’s Organisations in Singapore
A Service by:
A temporary refuge for women and children who are survivors of violence
Presenter & co-author:
Lorraine Lim, Administrator & Counsellor, Star Shelter – SCWO
Co-author:
Armi Aarni, Research, SCWO
Breaking the cycle of violence:Women’s Economic Independence &
Employment Strategies
Economic Independence
Role of Employment
Domestic Violence & Socio-Economic Status
Survivors of Domestic Violence in Singapore
Star Shelter & Residents
Programs for Employment & Financial Self-Reliance
Scope of Presentation
Access to opportunities and resources Meet own needs and dependent’s
Childcare
Healthcare
Housing
Transportation
Job
Career prospects, education, training
Economic Independence
Employment often key to financial self-reliance
For abused women, work must provide sufficiently, if she chooses to leave relationship
Abusers may interfere with partner’s work, obtain & maintain employment
Work’s positive effects
Raise self-esteem Less social isolation Improve psychological & physical health
Role of Employment
Literature Review
Poorer women are more likely subjected to DV
U.K. women unable to find £100 are 3.5 times more likely subjected to DV
In the U.S. between 8.5% - 41.4% of women receiving welfare benefits victimised by DV
Higher economic power, lower risk of violence
Those financially dependent on abuser likely to stay
Domestic Violence (DV) & Socio-Economic Status
Most women living with DV Do not have savings, cash, bank or credit accounts Have dependent children
Leaving abuser means decline in financial security & living standards
Women who flee, often return for financial reasons
Immigrant women in Singapore, with no right to work, depend on husbands for economic survival
Domestic Violence (DV) & Socio-Economic Status
47.2 % in their 30s
43.4% only secondary school qualifications
22% housewives
12.8% unemployed
28.8% low paid work
About 400 referred to shelters annually
Profiles of Survivors in Singapore
Started in March 1999
30 beds
Serves about 120 women & their children annually
Stay about 3 to 6 months
About 80% experience intimate partner violence (IPV)
Star Shelter
Profile of Star Shelter Clients
31 to 40 years44%
41 to 50 years32%
51 to 60 years16%
61 to 70 years8%
Age
Primary 44%
Secondary37%
Pre-uni/Poly 11%
University & above 8%
Education Level
Profile of Star Shelter Clients
Singaporean75%
Permanent Residents
15%
Foreigners10%
Nationality
S$800 to S$1,300
85%
S$1,301 to S$1,800
15%
Income per month
Basic Needs Practical Needs
Emotional Needs
Star Shelter’s Holistic Approach
PPO
Future Housing
Safe Accommodation
Clothing
Food
Case Management
Job Matching
Counselling
Groupwork Art Therapy
Legal Advice
Childcare$Financial
Aid
Case A : No longer aimless and jobless
TherapeuticPrograms
Counselling Art Therapy Group Work Open Art Studio
Ms A
• 39 year old, unemployed• Abused by boyfriend for 10 years
‘My life was like a cloud, floating without direction’
• After counselling, found job as kitchen helper
‘Counselling helped me improve my relationship with my bosses and colleagues’
• Increased salary• Left abusive relationship
Cases B & C : Work, childcare & financial help
Programs for Employment & Financial Self-Reliance
Job Matching Childcare Arrangements Financial Assistance Budgetting Workshops
Mdm B
• 39 year-old, PR, jobless, • 3 year-old daughter• No social/family support• Childcare arrangement• Job matched• Divorced husband
Mdm C
• 30 year-old, 2 year-old son• Security officer• Funds for transport, phone card• Secured better job after 2 months
Case D : Empowered with English
Other Job Strategies, Skills Training & Upgrading
English Classes IT Skills Food Handling Certification Grooming Workshops Yoga & Meditation Gardening Referrals to other community resources
Mdm D
• 33 year-old, PR• Housewife, 3 year-old son• Poor spoken English• Attended English classes• Found job after 2 months• Rented room for herself and son after divorcing husband
‘I’m so happy…I can be independent and take care of my son. No need to depend on my husband.’
Many tools to break cycle of violence
Women’s economic independence is one tool
Financial self-reliance boosts confidence
Economic independence together with other life skills achieved with therapy
Therapy, case management, access to various opportunities & services provide holistic approach
Conclusion
THANK YOU