DEALING with financial matters can be a struggle for anyone in the community, but for at risk women who have recently left or are in an abusive relationship the pressure is often too much to handle.
The lack of financial knowledge and security is a major barrier in a woman leaving a violent relationship – or the main reason they return to it.
However, thankfully with the support of the Limestone Coast Domestic Violence Service (LCDVS) and the Mount Gambier and District Community Bank, many of these women who have escaped this situation are now getting the financial assistance needed to help them adjust to their independent, abuse-free, new lives.
Over the past few weeks, Mount Gambier and District Community Bank customer relationship officer Kristy McKinnon has been running financial literacy sessions, teaching a number of women about budgeting and saving.
“I was able to tailor the programs to what the women were saying their need was instead of what I thought their need was,” Ms McKinnon said.
“We personalised it for who was there – they were able to bring in their documents and work on a plan.
“I was blown away by the ladies who attended – there was one in particular who already had a budget plan and was saving for a goal.”
Branch manager Tracy Koop said they were very grateful to have been given the opportunity to help these women pursue their new lives.
“It is very humbling to be able to know that we can assist in this way, even if it is just a tiny bit,” she said.
“We wanted to give them some advice on budgeting, but also let them know they are on the right track.
“It is important to give them that encouragement and let them know that what they are already doing is really good.”
With many women having been in an abusive relationship for a number of years, LCDVS case manager Kate Spokes said the sessions have been beneficial and built confidence for the women.
“Some women had lived in situations where they had no control over the money, so it can be overwhelming, especially when they are on extremely low incomes,” she said.
“Many are now on a single parent payment and family tax benefit – it can be quite difficult for them to adjust to their new way of life.
“The thought of financial counselling is often pretty daunting for women and the group setting Kristy has created has been a lot less overwhelming for them.”
Eager to continue to assist these women with their financial matters, Ms McKinnon said she hopes to hold follow-up sessions in a few months.
“I got just as much out of the sessions from those women as what I hope they got out of it,” she said.
“We want them to know they are worthwhile and we are generally interested in how they are going – the program doesn’t stop when I walk out the door.
“They are also welcome to come into the branch at any time with any questions they may have.”
