Breaking the cycle of violence: Women’s Economic Independence & Employment Strategies

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