Spotlight on economic abuse - Good Shepherd Youth & Family ...

Financial counselling services are located in a diverse range of community services
organisations. Given this it is likely that considerable diversity exists in relation to financial
counsellors’ awareness and understanding of domestic and family violence issues. While the
sector is moving toward formal professionalisation with the introduction of certification for
financial counsellors, historically this has not been the case and there is no doubt
considerable diversity in areas of expertise reflecting organisational location and other
factors. There is little published research literature concerning financial counselling services
and practices in relation to people experiencing domestic and family violence including
economic abuse. The recent qualitative study by Braaf and Barrett Meyering (2011) cited
some dissatisfaction on the part of specialist domestic and family violence service workers
and women with approaches taken by financial counsellors but it is not apparent from this
study that these are systemic issues or reflect a good understanding of service provision by
financial counsellors. However Braaf and Barrett Meyering’s findings do suggest there may
be a need for better linkages and exchange between domestic and family violence services
and financial counselling sectors.
Community service provision of finance programs
In Australia a diverse range of community services organisations provide multiple services
including material aid and financial assistance while they may also employ financial
counsellors. Some providers of varied services to people on low incomes have expertise and
experience in providing financial education and may also provide a range of financial
products and services.
A scan of web-based references to economic and financial abuse identified a number of
recent community sector initiatives in Australia which specifically respond to economic abuse
issues. Most of these are small or time-limited pilot programs. An exception is the provision
of microfinance targeted specifically to women who have experienced domestic or family
violence. However there are a broader range of general services and programs designed to
build financial capacity for people on low incomes provided by community services
organisations, including microfinance and financial literacy programs.
Microfinance initiatives
Microfinance initiatives, along with financial education, are program responses which directly
address issues of women’s financial stability and subjective financial wellbeing. Programs
and services such as no interest and low interest loans can meet immediate needs to
replace household items while giving women some control over their finances and increasing
ability to gain economic independence (Correia 2000; Corrie 2011; Landvogt 2011). Other
microfinance programs are matched savings accounts through which women can build
assets. In Australia there are a small number of such programs operating within the
community sector specifically targeted to women who have experienced domestic and family
violence supported by banks including the National Australia Bank and ANZ Bank and the
Australian Government. Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service, Kildonan UnitingCare and
other agencies provide these services. 14
14 The Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service microfinance program is now provided through Good
Shepherd Microfinance, see ). For Kildonan
UnitingCare see .
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