breaking the cycle of violence: women’s economic independence & employment strategies
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Breaking the cycle of violence: Women’s Economic Independence & Employment StrategiesTRANSCRIPT
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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
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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
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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
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Access to opportunities and resources Meet own needs and dependent’s
Childcare
Healthcare
Housing
Transportation
Job
Career prospects, education, training
Economic Independence
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Profile of Star Shelter Clients
Singaporean75%
Permanent Residents
15%
Foreigners10%
Nationality
S$800 to S$1,300
85%
S$1,301 to S$1,800
15%
Income per month
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Basic Needs Practical Needs
Emotional Needs
Star Shelter’s Holistic Approach
PPO
Future Housing
Safe Accommodation
Clothing
Food
Case Management
Job Matching
Counselling
Groupwork Art Therapy
Legal Advice
Childcare$Financial
Aid
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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
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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
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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.’
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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
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THANK YOU